The Detroit Lions have cornered Desmond Trufant saying he will be released at the start of the league year, which begins March 17, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Before the 2020 season, Trufant, 30, signed a two-year, $ 20 million deal with the Lions to be the replacement for Darius Slay, who was traded to Philadelphia. Detroit still owes it $ 3.5 million in guaranteed money for 2021.
It never really worked out for Trufant, who was the Week 1 starter, as he spent most of the season with thigh muscle issues that limited him to six games, one interception and four defenses. He also finished in a playoff game with Jeff Okudah, the rookie’s first rounder, and second-year outfielder Amani Oruwariye for outfielders. Trufant’s role as no. 1-corner was in question in the 2021 season.
Since Oruwariye and Okudah were under contract for the foreseeable future and were much younger, the 30-year-old Trufant made expenses. He would earn $ 9.5 million in cash in 2021 and receive a $ 12.5 million cap.
By releasing him, the Lions will save $ 3 million on the capital space – and if he is declared a June 1 cut, $ 6.5 million. According to Roster Management System, he will charge $ 6 million for the Lions this year.
The release of Trufant helps the Lions limit space to Matthew Stafford’s trade for Jared Goff.
Head coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that the Lions need competition at the corner post.
“We need competition in that area. We need depth in areas,” Campbell said. “We need competition. I mean just because we have two young cornerbacks, for example, man, you still want competition. You want guys to compete. [with] who are able to push them, or they strive for the starting position. I mean, it’s just healthy. It makes you better. ‘
Trufant, the former first-round pick for Atlanta in 2013, made the Pro Bowl in 2015 and has started all 103 games in which he has played, making 14 interceptions with 83 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles and 7 fumble recovers. He played for the Falcons last season in addition.