Grading Lions Signing CB Emmanuel Moseley

The Detroit Lions are targeting cornerbacks this offseason.

During the early stages of free agency, the Detroit Lions have spent a significant number of resources on their secondary.

After signing Cameron Sutton Monday, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes added cornerback Emmanuel Moseley on a one-year, $6 million deal Tuesday. 

The fifth-year veteran has spent his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers, where he signed after going undrafted in 2017. He was college teammates with Sutton, so the two will have the opportunity to reunite and play in Detroit's secondary. 

After spending most of his rookie year on the 49ers’ practice squad, Moseley has been productive when healthy. He’s started 33 of his 45 career games, but has dealt with injuries that have hampered his time on the field.

He seemed destined to excel for a loaded 49ers defense in 2022 as a starting cornerback, but he suffered a torn ACL in the season’s fifth game. In those five games, he recorded 22 tackles, five passes defensed and a 41-yard pick-six against Carolina in Week 5.

Injuries have been a concern, as he has played just one full season in his career. He’s been limited to 12 games in 2020, 11 in 2021 and five last season.

The soon to be 27-year-old brings more talent to Detroit’s secondary. His 73.5 Pro Football Focus coverage grade would’ve been the highest among the Lions’ cornerbacks, and he allowed an opposing passer rating of 63.5 on passes thrown his way.

Run defense was a concern in 2022, though. He had a 21.4 percent missed tackle rate, per PFF, and finished with a run-defense grade of 58.6 and a tackling grade of 38.2.

Once he fully recovers from his ACL injury, the veteran will compete for a starting spot at cornerback. His most likely competition will be Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs. Also in the mix are 2022 seventh-round pick Chase Lucas and the recently re-signed Will Harris.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Emmanuel Moseley / © Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions have yet to make decisions on free agents Mike Hughes and Amani Oruwariye at the position.

The most recent update to his health was given by San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch during his end-of-the-season press conference.

“E-man’s doing really well,” Lynch said. “…Most of the time, unless somebody’s hit a complication, you typically hear (they’re) doing really well, a little bit ahead of schedule, because these guys are elite athletes. And if you know Mose at all, his commitment to the process is going to be elite, and that’s what he’s done.”

If Moseley can return to full health, he will be an upgrade in Detroit’s secondary. At the very least, the healthiest version of him will push Okudah and Jacobs while competing for a starting role.

Still, health is a concern. The one-year deal should show plenty, as it allows the experienced corner to prove himself. He’s an intriguing addition, with boom-or-bust potential.

Grade: B+