Desmond Trufant has found his new home. ESPN’s Jordan Schultz tweets that the free agent cornerback has signed with the Lions. It’s a two-year, $21MM deal, including $14MM in guaranteed money.
Last year, Trufant compiled four interceptions and seven passes defended despite being limited to only nine games. He missed the first quarter of the year with a toe injury and was forced to go on IR in December after suffering a broken forearm. He started 16 games as recently as 2018, when he finished with 66 tackles and 12 passes defended. He earned a Pro Bowl nod with Atlanta in 2015.
Despite having three years remaining on his five-year, $68.75MM deal, Atlanta moved on from the veteran earlier this week. By releasing Trufant, the Falcons saved $4.95MM against $10.2MM in dead money. We heard whispers that the Jets could be interested in Trufant, but the rumor mill had otherwise been quiet surrounding the 29-year-old.
With Trufant signed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes (on Twitter) that the Lions can shift focus to trading cornerback Darius Slay. In late February, Lions GM Bob Quinn explained that all scenarios are being considered when it comes to the cornerback.
Bye bye Slay. Hope they get a second round pick for him.
Slay won’t be cheap. In terms of compensation to Detroit, and the contract he’ll want next season.
Thought the Eagles would sign Trufant. Maybe they’ll talk to the Lions about Slay.
Looks like “Big Play” is indeed headed to Philly. And, pretty much assures the Lions will draft Okudah from THE Ohio State Buckeyes. Just might the Lions be making some strategic moves to be more competitive? So unlike them.
Why not keep both? I’m tired of the Lions and their short-sided thinking. This organization sucks.
I agree with you. Two good corners would be nice but our pass rush is dreadful so that won’t matter.
as slay wants a higher value contract then what the lions are willing to give you trade him and get as many picks as you can get.
Quinn will just blow the picks
Trade Slay and a 3rd rounder to Chiefs for Chris Jones. KC doesn’t want to lose him, but it can’t afford him.
Weird. It’s almost as if the Lions know what they’re doing this off-season.
Sounds like a good idea for the Chiefs but doubt it happens
Maybe trade Slay and a third to the Raiders for their 2020 first round pick #19.
Raiders can use its #12 pick on a receiver (Ceedee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy) and get a really solid corner in Slay and the Lions get another first round pick to go with its 3rd overall pick.