The Detroit Lions would like to re-sign cornerback Chris Houston, but there's no guarantee they will be able to do that. As a result, it's important for them to have a backup plan, and their backup plan appears to be free-agent cornerback Antoine Cason.

The Lions have made contact with Cason's reps, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot. (The Browns have also have spoken to Cason's reps.) While this isn't necessarily an indication that they are readying an offer for Cason when free agency officially opens on Tuesday, it is a sign that they have interest in him.

As mentioned by Dave Birkett on Twitter, the Lions liked Cason when he entered the NFL back in 2008. As also noted by Birkett, Cason has a connection to the Lions, as he is the cousin of former Detroit running back Aveion Cason.

In a perfect world, the Lions would re-sign Houston and add Cason, bolstering the cornerback position in a big way. In all likelihood, though, Cason will only be an option if Houston isn't re-signed. Considering Cason had 73 total tackles, 11 passes defended, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles in 2012 with the San Diego Chargers, he certainly seems like an excellent backup plan.