WEDNESDAY, 1:57pm: It’s a veteran’s minimum contract for Mathis, but along with his $65K signing bonus, $500K of his base salary is guaranteed, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
MONDAY, 10:23am: Free agent cornerback Rashean Mathis is returning to Detroit, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reports (via Twitter) that the veteran is signing a new one-year contract with the Lions.
Mathis, 33, joined the Lions last season after spending the first 10 years in Jacksonville, where he racked up 30 interceptions and earned an All-Pro spot in 2006. While the former second-round pick didn’t grab an interception last season, he logged 47 tackles and defended 16 passes. Mathis also ranked as Detroit’s top cornerback, the only one to record a positive grade according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
While terms of Mathis’ one-year agreement haven’t been reported yet, it figures to be a minimum salary contract. Mathis’ minimum deal in 2013 didn’t include a signing bonus, but perhaps this year’s will, after his strong first year for the Lions.