Lions to re-sign key defensive back

The Detroit Lions’ secondary will look a bit different next season, but they’re hanging on to one of their key defensive backs. The team has agreed to a one-year contract with DB Will Harris, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Harris, a 2019 third-round pick out of Boston College, has spent his entire four-year career in Detroit. He’s spent time switching between safety and cornerback throughout his career, but as Birkett notes, he played his best football when serving as the Lions’ slot cornerback in 2022.

The 27-year-old finished the campaign having started 10 of his 15 appearances, finishing with 57 tackles and four passes defended. He only graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 64th cornerback (among 118 qualifying players), although the site did grade him close to the top-third at the position in coverage. Harris will likely continue in his slot role in 2023, but his versatility does provide the Lions with some options.

The Lions have been busy reworking a unit that finished last in total defense last season. The team made one of the biggest splashes of free agency when they signed cornerback Cameron Sutton, and they’ve also added former 49ers cornerback Emmanuel Moseley.