Depth has been the theme of free agency for the Lions. They've added more by signing veteran safety Chuck Clark.
Clark is a former longtime starter for the Ravens who spent last season with the Steelers. He played in 15 games, with five starts, and tallied 51 tackles and three passes defended, and played a significant role on special teams. He broke up a potential game-winning touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa in the final seconds of the Steelers' win over the Lions in Week 16 that propelled Pittsburgh to the playoffs and all but ended Detroit's season.
Prior to his stint with the Steelers, Clark started 73 games over four seasons with the Ravens and another with the Jets, splitting his time between free safety and strong safety. He's known as a strong tackler and a firm run defender, both of which have been priorities for Detroit's defense this offseason.
Clark is the third defensive back the Lions have added to the roster, joining nickel/safety Christian Izien and corner Roger McCreary. They also re-signed corner Rock Ya-Sin.
These could prove to be important additions for a team facing uncertainty in the secondary. Star safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (torn Achilles) are both rehabbing injuries and cornerback Terrion Arnold has been linked to a kidnapping/robbery plot in Florida, though the Lions believe that he wasn't involved and won't face consequences.
