:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49468667/GettyImages-459467708.0.jpg)
Now begins phase two of free agency. Teams have an entirely new depth chart, meaning franchises will be adding scraps left over from free agency and trimming sections of the roster where they now have an abundance. We already saw the Chicago Bears release Antrel Rolle and Matt Slauson earlier in the day, and now the Detroit Lions are making a move.
Monday, the team announced they've signed linebacker Zaviar Gooden. Gooden is a former third-round selection in the 2013 draft, who came into the league sporting extreme speed (4.47 40-yard dash) and athleticism.
Well, @Justin_Rogers wasn't kidding. Zaviar Gooden killed the combine. Was top 15 score from 2005-2016. pic.twitter.com/R3P6r7g2Fx
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) May 2, 2016
However, since arriving in the NFL, Gooden has started just three games for the Tennessee Titans. Gooden's contributions were mostly on special teams in his first two years in the league. Last season, Gooden suffered a torn hamstring in the preseason and was placed on injured reserve. Rather than keeping him there, the Titans reached an injury settlement with Gooden and released him in September.
In Detroit, Gooden will compete for a depth spot on the roster. His special teams experience may give him a leg up on players like Kyle Van Noy, but he'll still have an uphill battle to make the final 53-man roster.