Acquisition of CB Desmond Trufant Signals Slay's Days Are Numbered

What does the signing of CB Desmond Trufant mean for veteran Lions CB Darius Slay?

The Lions are acquiring former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant, according to Jordan Schultz of ESPN.

The contract is reportedly for two years and $21 million. 

Since 2013, the 29-year-old corner has recorded 13 interceptions, including four in 2019. 

Now that the Lions have signed another defensive back for less than what longtime Detroit CB Darius Slay is seeking, the likelihood is that the organization will continue to shop Slay. 

"Now that the Lions have signed former Falcons’ CB Desmond Trufant, it allows them to continue shopping CB Darius Slay," ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted Wednesday night. 

Now that the Lions have signed former Falcons’ CB Desmond Trufant, it allows them to continue shopping CB Darius Slay.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020

Trufant is a former first-round pick of the Falcons. 

During his rookie season, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team.

He earned his lone Pro Bowl appearance in 2015, and has been a productive member of the Falcons' secondary.

In 2019, Trufant missed a total of seven games -- four due to a toe injury and three due to a forearm ailment. 

Despite the injuries, Trufant's four interceptions were a career high. 

He's been relatively reliable throughout his career, and has not suffered too many significant injuries.

Detroit general manager Bob Quinn is hoping that Trufant can be a cornerback on the outside to either complement Slay or mentor potential Lions first-round pick Jeff Okudah.