Getty ImagesDesperate for depth at the position, the Lions have signed one of the cornerbacks they cut in the preseason.
Alphonso Smith, who has been a free agent since the Lions released him in August, has been signed today, the team announced. Smith played 23 games at cornerback for the Lions over the last two years, so he already knows the defense.
Depth at cornerback was already a concern for the Lions even before the injury bug bit, but when cornerbacks Bill Bentley (shoulder) and Jacob Lacey (concussion) both suffered injuries against the Eagles, the Lions were left with just two healthy cornerbacks on their 53-man roster, Chris Houston and Jonte Green.
The Lions cut running back Keiland Williams to make room for Smith on the roster.
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Smith is actually really good when he is on. Guy is so inconsistent though its tough to give him a starting job
The RB-depleted Cardinals may be a suitor for Williams, who also played on all 4 special teams units for the Lions.
I knew this was coming soon or later even though I would have rather for us to sign Aaron Berry I wonder if Greenwood is a go for Monday I’m really anxious to see what he got
It was one of the funnier moments on Thanksgiving when Phonzy got turned around 3 times by Deion Branch. Didn’t make for good football, but it was funny.
I thought smith was our best corner the 6-10 season. He at least got picks, got burned from time to time tho….
I don’t know who that #28 CB guy is, but whenever I’ve watched the Lions, he’s screwing up.
Great Josh McDaniels pick
Smith played 23 games at cornerback for the Lions over the last two years, so he already knows the defense.
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That’s debatable.
Keiland Williams was never used and they had no intention of using him. The only complaint is that Alphonso missed an extra 7 weeks of practice time. He might be able to help us, yet Keiland certainly wasn’t going to help us.
We have nothing to lose and only something to possibly gain.
Phonze was usually in Schwartz’s doghouse, usually with good reason. He alternates between making good, heads up plays, and getting burned, often in spectacular fashion, at the worst possible moments. Maybe he’ll be so pleased to have his old job back that he’ll play lights out ball, but I wouldn’t count on it. Nobody can predict what this guy will do, which is a big part of why he was let go in the first place.