The Detroit Lions could have a new starter for their young secondary.
The Lions signed former Baltimore Ravens safety DeShon Elliott to a one-year deal after he visited the team Wednesday.
Elliott, who turns 25 next week, has been effective for the Ravens the past three seasons but has battled injuries throughout his career.
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He missed his entire rookie season with a fractured forearm and parts of the 2019 and 2021 seasons with knee and pectoral injuries.
Elliott has played 28 of a possible 65 games in his career and has one interception and 3.5 sacks.
He could start at safety for the Lions alongside Tracy Walker this fall. Walker re-signed with the Lions after a brief dalliance with free agency this spring.
The Lions also return the versatile Will Harris, who saw time at safety, slot cornerback and outside corner last year, and cornerbacks Amani Oruwariye, Jeff Okudah, AJ Parker, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Jerry Jacobs. They also signed cornerback Mike Hughes in free agency.
Okudah and Jacobs are returning from season-ending injuries and might not be ready for the start of training camp.
Walker is the oldest projected contributor in the secondary at 27 years old.
The Lions still have a long-term need at safety they could address in this month’s draft, where they have four of the first 66 picks.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.