Early Wednesday morning, the Detroit Lions made a move to extend the contract of veteran safety Don Carey. According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Lions signed Carey to a one-year extension through the 2017 season for $1.35 million.
The Lions have signed S Don Carey to a 1-year, $1.35M extension through 2017, per league source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 16, 2016
The 29 year old began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. A native of Grand Rapids, MI, Carey is in his sixth season with the Lions, where he’s spent some time at cornerback, but more frequently spot starting at both safety positions. Carey’s really made a name for himself as a specialist though, contributing in big ways as a gunner on punt coverage.
During Quinn’s first offseason, he aggressively made a move to sign another special teams stud in Johnson Bademosi, so this move shouldn’t come as much of a surprise when you put it into the context of Bob Quinn doing Bob Quinn things. He’s made it clear that he prioritizes special teams play as an important factor in his decision making on players who provide depth at the bottom of the roster, and Don Carey fits that bill. When you consider the important veteran presence he provides in the locker room, this move makes sense from all angles.