The Detroit Lions filled a hole in their secondary today, signing recently released safety Erik Coleman, according to multiple reports.
Coleman, 28, has started most of his seven NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets but was a backup last year, playing in just 12 games.The Falcons released him last week.
Coleman tweeted this afternoon: "I am extremely excited to lend my services to the Lions and the wonderful city of Detroit! Let's go Lions!!! #blessed"
With the Lions, Coleman will take free agent C.C. Brown’s roster spot and could compete with second-year safety Amari Spievey for the starting job opposite Louis Delmas. Spievey had two interceptions and started nine games last year after moving from cornerback.
Including Coleman, who reportedly signed a one-year deal, the Lions have just six defensive backs (three of them safeties) under contract for 2011. They also control the rights to safety Randy Phillips, who split his rookie season between the active roster and practice squad, and exclusive-rights cornerbacks Prince Miller and Paul Pratt.
Last month, the Lions had discussions about re-signing safety John Wendling, a Pro Bowl alternate as a coverage specialist, but Wendling's agent, Ken Zuckerman, said today no new deal is in the works.
“As of today, I think he’ll hit the free-agent market, whenever that might be,” Zuckerman said.
Regardless, the Lions will be in the hunt for secondary help in April's NFL draft. They hold the 13th pick in the first round.
Contact Dave Birkett: 313-222-8831 or dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @freeplions.
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