The Detroit Lions have announced that they have signed safety and special teams ace Don Carey and waived defensive lineman Eric Lee in a corresponding move.
“Carey returns to Detroit after most recently spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2018 preseason,” the team announced in a press release. “Prior to Jacksonville, he spent seven seasons (2011-17) with the Lions and appeared in 84 games (12 starts) during that span. Carey’s 67 total tackles (57 solo) on special teams tied for the ninth most in the NFL during his previous stint with the club.
“Currently in his 10th NFL season, Carey has played in 99 career games (22 starts). His career totals include 120 total tackles (87 solo), one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and three interceptions, in addition to 71 special teams tackles (61 solo). Carey originally entered the NFL in 2009 as a sixth-round (177th overall) draft selection by the Cleveland Browns out of Norfolk State.”
Carey, a Grand Rapids native and Lions nomination for Walter Payton man of the year in 2016, is listed as a defensive back but his true value is on special teams where he has made a career off his ability to produce in the third phase.
Lee and Kerry Hyder had been rotating opportunities at defensive end this season but Hyder’s ability to play as a pass rushing nose tackle — which we have seen reemerge the last few weeks — may have been enough to give him an edge on the roster. Lee is a candidate to land of the Lions practice squad if he clears waivers.
