To get ready for free agency, we're going to take a look at each of the Detroit Lions' 2015 free agents. Next up is cornerback Rashean Mathis.
2014 stats
16 games (16 starts) | 51 tackles, 9 PD, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 TD
How he joined the Lions
Signed as a free agent in August 2013.
Case for re-signing him
All that really needs to be said here is that Mathis was the 12th-best cornerback in the league last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He is still getting the job done at a high level, and he looks more than capable of continuing to hold down a starting spot at cornerback going forward.
Case against re-signing him
As good as Mathis was last season, let's not forget that he will be 35 years old when the 2015 season kicks off. It's true that he was able to perform at a high level as a 34-year-old last season, but at some point his age will likely catch up with him, and it certainly wouldn't be good for the Lions if that happens when he's slotted in as a starting cornerback.
Final verdict
Mathis is great to have around both on and off the field. He has really served as a mentor of sorts to Darius Slay, and he's still a very good player despite his age. The Lions may need to start thinking about his eventual replacement, but they absolutely should try to re-sign him.
Previously: QB Dan Orlovsky, QB Kellen Moore, FB Jed Collins, WR Jeremy Ross, TE Kellen Davis, OT Corey Hilliard, OG Rob Sims, OG Garrett Reynolds, C Dominic Raiola, DE Darryl Tapp, DE George Johnson, DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Nick Fairley, DT C.J. Mosley, DT Andre Fluellen, LB Ashlee Palmer, LB Josh Bynes