Detroit Lions announce they have re-signed Mike Ford

The Detroit Lions announced three moves on Monday, releasing linebacker Christian Jones and center Russell Bodine, as well as re-signing corner/special teams gunner Mike Ford.

Ford signed with the Lions in 2018 after going undrafted out of Southeast Missouri State and while he failed to make the initial roster as a rookie, he was signed to the active roster midseason and has been a regular contributor in the years since.

During his career in Detroit, Ford has played in 31 games, started seven, and was often used to offset speedy receivers. In the past three years, Ford has four pass deflections, 49 tackles, and one for loss—most of this production has come on special teams.

Ford was scheduled to be a restricted free agent this offseason—the team’s only one—but with the minimum designation checking in at over $2.1 million a re-signing makes more sense. Details of his contract were not released at this time, but he played last season on a one-year deal worth $750,000, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him land another deal in that range.

How the corner position plays out in 2021 is still being settled, with the team expected to move on from Desmond Trufant, and Justin Coleman being a potential cap casualty. But the re-signing of Ford will give the Lions at least three young corners—along with Amani Oruwariye and Jeff Okudah—to begin rebuilding around.