Much like Breshad Perriman, Mike Ford began training camp as a starter for the Lions. And just like Perriman, Ford was reportedly cut Monday as the Lions trim their roster to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon.
The defensive back was also a special teams standout the past three seasons after joining Detroit as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
Ford signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal including $400,000 guaranteed with the Lions this offseason as a restricted free agent and was taking first-team reps at nickelback at the start of camp. But he was replaced on defense by undrafted free agent A.J. Parker, who looks like Detroit's starting nickelback moving forward.
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Ford's departure also creates a bigger opportunity for third-round pick Ifeatu Melifonwu on both defense and special teams. Melifonwu impressed coaches in camp with his size and athleticism, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has said the safety could also play cornerback in the future.
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Ford played in 31 career games for the Lions, getting most of his snaps on special teams. His playing time on defense decreased each of the past three seasons. The 26-year-old thanked Detroit in a post on Instagram.