Amani Oruwariye Departs Lions for Giants
Expectations elevated for Detroit Lions cornerback Amani Oruwaryire coming off of a career-best season in 2021.
After a down season in 2022, though, the 27-year-old is signing a one-year contract to join the New York Giants.
The former fifth-round draft pick recorded 57 tackles, six interceptions and 11 pass breakups in Dan Campbell's first season in Motown.
His play prompted defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to challenge the defensive back to become more of a shutdown cornerback.
During the early portion of the 2022 season, Oruwariye struggled mightily, took a significant amount of penalties and was not the same player the coaching staff was used to.
"Obviously, we got to help him,” Glenn said. “That’s one thing we have to do. But, man, I’m not gonna rain on Amani. I still have high hopes of that player. I still think that player has a chance to be a top corner in this league, and we’re going to work our a** off to make sure that happens.”
Unfortunately, the coaching staff made the tough decision to bench Oruwariye against the Patriots.
“Any time you’re in that situation, I know it hurt him," said Glenn. "I know it hurt to be inactive, especially the situation that happened. We had guys go down, but he does know we’re going to put his feet to the fire. That’s just what we are as far as the defense. Everyone has to compete. They have to go out there and pull their weight, and he knows where he was at that time with Dan and the staff when we made the change. He’s going to compete to get his job back. He responded really well.”
The Lions have added several new defensive backs this offseason, including Emmanuel Moseley, Cam Sutton and C.J. Gardner-Johnson; thus, paving the way for his departure following his fourth season in Motown.
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