Lions will run it back with CB Moseley after second ACL tear cost him 2023 season

The Detroit Lions started the process of addressing the team's lack of depth at the cornerback position by retaining one of their own, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with Emmanuel Moseley, a source familiar with the negotiations confirmed to The Detroit News.

The Lions initially signed Moseley a year earlier, while he was still recovering from a 2022 ACL injury.

"Moseley was another one that he just fit our style, and he’s another kid that’s got versatility," general manager Brad Holmes said shortly after the signing last year. "He can play outside, he can play inside, and look — if Moseley didn’t get hurt last year, I don’t even know if we would’ve been able to really even be in the range to even acquire him. That’s how hot (of a) start that he was off to (in 2022).

Moseley hit a bump in the road with his rehab between the end of the early portion of the offseason program and the start of training camp. That required a cleanup procedure, which delayed his debut until Week 5 of the regular season. Unfortunately, he lasted just two snaps before tearing the ACL in his other knee while planting to match a route in coverage.

Moseley remained close to the team after having that ACL repaired, participating in team and position meetings and providing mentorship to the team's younger cornerbacks. His attitude and approach resonated with the coaching staff.

"Man, let me tell you something, that player — that person, take the player out — that person is a really caring person," defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said in January. "He cares about his teammates, he wants to see his guys do well. You sit there and watch him in the meetings, how he talks and how interacts with everybody, you want that guy to be around, because he's a vet and he's been around. He's been around winning. That's huge for us as an organization, to have guys like that around in the building, even when they have these injuries."

After having football taken away from him for essentially two years, Moseley told The Detroit News he had found joy in being around his teammates during the franchise's playoff push. Asked whether he hoped to return to Detroit, he was optimistic, despite his future still being uncertain at that time.

"This team is amazing," he said. "If I'm welcomed back, that's definitely an option. When that time comes, it will come. Until then, I just have to focus on my rehab and see where life takes me, see where God wants to take me. I'm ready for whatever. I'm excited for what's to come. 

"Sometimes, you can see the vision, but sometimes you can't," Moseley said. "It's one of those situations where you can see the vision, but it's still cloudy. But in the end, you know the sunshine is going to come. I'm looking forward to that."

Prior to signing with Detroit, Moseley spent five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, starting 33 games between 2019-22. In 2021, he allowed a paltry 65.6 passer rating when targeted in coverage, and he was having similar success prior to the first ACL injury, five weeks into the 2022 campaign.

Projected to eventually claim the starting job in Detroit last season, he'll have another opportunity to compete for that role this offseason, assuming this rehab stays on track. Even with the re-signing, the Lions remain light on outside cornerbacks with Jerry Jacobs, Will Harris and Kindle Vildor headed to free agency.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers