The Detroit Lions have told cornerback Desmond Trufant he will be released at the start of the league year, which begins March 17, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Trufant, 30, signed a two-year $ 20 million deal with the Lions before the 2020 season to be the team’s replacement for Darius Slay, who was traded to Philadelphia. Detroit still owes him $ 3.5 million in guaranteed money for 2021.
It never quite worked out for Trufant, who was the starter in Week 1, as he spent most of the season with hamstring issues that limited him to six games, one interception and four defended passes. He also ended up in a playtime bout with rookie first-round pick Jeff Okudah and sophomore pro Amani Oruwariye for off spot. Trufant’s role as the No. 1 corner was in question for the 2021 season.
With both Oruwariye and Okudah under contract for the foreseeable future and much younger, that made the 30-year-old Trufant expendable. He would make $ 9.5 million in cash by 2021 and a maximum hit of $ 12.5 million.
By releasing him, the Lions saved $ 3 million in cap space – and if designated as a post-June 1 discount, $ 6.5 million. According to the Roster Management System, he will pay a maximum of $ 6 million for the Lions this year.
Releasing Trufant helps the Lions free up cap space after Matthew Stafford’s trade for Jared Goff.
On Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbell said the Lions needed competition for the cornerback position.
“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. [with] they can push, or push them for that starting position. I mean, it’s just healthy. It makes you better. “
Former first-round pick for Atlanta in 2013, Trufant made it to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and has started all 103 games he has played in during his career, making 14 interceptions with 83 defended passes, 3 forced fumbles and 7 fumbles attempts to restore. He played all but last season with the Falcons.