Getty ImagesThe Lions start their offseason workout program on Monday and they may also be adding another player to the group taking part in coach Jim Caldwell’s first work with the team.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that free agent cornerback Cassius Vaughn will work out for the Lions on Monday. Vaughn started 15 games for the Colts over the last two seasons after joining the team in a trade with the Broncos for fullback Chris Gronkowski in 2012.
Vaughn had 30 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble for Indianapolis last season. He has two other career interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns, and made three starts for Denver after signing with them as an undrafted free agent in 2010.
If Vaughn signs, he’ll join a group of corners that needs to play at a higher level than they reached last season. General Manager Martin Mayhew identified Darius Slay as a player who needs to step up in 2014 and said he has faith that Chris Houston will bounce back as the team’s lead cornerback this season. We should find out soon if Vaughn will be joining the effort.
On paper, the numbers Vaughn put up last year would essentially be an upgrade over anything the Lions’ current secondary crew accomplished. No downside to this kind of roster move. Or is there? Colt fans?
The downside is the Lions already have 5 CBs penciled into the roster, so if he makes it then either they absorb an inefficient exit strategy with Chris Houston who has a little bit of dead money already bonused in, or the 4 young CBs we recently invested a draft pick in will have to be given up on. The Lions waste so many picks, and some of them don’t even get a chance for playing time before they get labeled as a busted draft pick nowadays. It’s just annoying to see this keep happening yet nobody is ever held accountable in the Front Office.
He’d be a good pickup. However, I still can’t get past Caldwell’s decision to sign Orvolsky.
The idea that a team wastes so many picks probably has a lot to do with the team you follow. Though it does appear the Lions have had a string of dubious choices on the second round, my guess is that they (overall) don’t miss on any more picks than the majority of NFL teams.
hes not very good, sorry lions fans, he wont be an upgrade
I don’t have a problem with this move as a Lions fan. My problem is the fact that the previous regime was so set in their ways, that they would draft corners like Darius Slay, Chris Greenwood and Jonte Green (who played well in heavy man coverage schemes in college) and then put them in heavy zone schemes which they rarely deviated from, then wonder why they had so many issues.
I fear that Teryl Austin and Jim Caldwell are trying to reinvent the wheel in the Lions secondary when the schemes they want to install are tailor made for the talent that is already on the roster. I like the Ihedigbo move, but it can’t be long term. The Lions should take Gilbert or Dennard at 10 and then look for at least one safety and a rush LB.
Vaughn is a decent nickel/dime guy with some ball skills. He struggled when he was forced to play a big role.
He was ok at times. Backup material. Times he started he go burned or looked lost. Good luck to him wherever he ends up going.
He was solid as a 4th CB for the Colts. Kinda hoped the Colts would re-sign him.