Report: Detroit Lions signing CB Corn Elder

The Detroit Lions will be signing free agent cornerback Corn Elder to a one-year deal according to NFL Network's’ Ian Rapoport. Elder had an in-person visit with Detroit on Thursday, and it apparently went well enough for the two sides to come to an agreement. At the moment, terms are not available.

Elder immediately slides in as the potential starter for the Lions at nickel cornerback. Though the four-year defender only has one career start in the NFL, he showed a lot of promise last year as the Panthers’ primary nickelback. In total, he played 303 snaps in the slot last year and allowed just 91.0 passer rating and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Reference. He has also been prominent on special teams for most of his professional career.

At just 26 years old, Elder is young enough to potentially develop under what appears to be a promising coaching staff in former Pro Bowl cornerback Aaron Glenn at defensive coordinator and Aubrey Pleasant as defensive backs coach.

As of now, Elder is the only nickelback on the Lions’ current roster. Expect them to add some competition either in free agency or during the draft.