ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions added to their already-deep defensive line and in the process cut a player who started for them last week at another position.
Detroit claimed defensive end Corey Lemonier off waivers Thursday after he was waived by the Cleveland Browns. To get Lemonier on the roster, the Lions waived rookie undrafted free agent cornerback Adairius Barnes.
Barnes was a surprise player to stick on the team’s initial 53-man roster but he ended up picking up a role on Detroit’s special teams and, eventually, the defense. Last week against Chicago, he was the team’s primary nickel cornerback since Quandre Diggs was placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury.
Now, he’s out of a job.
The 25-year-old Lemonier was a third round draft pick of San Francisco in 2013. He was waived by the 49ers in September and then claimed by Cleveland. The winless Browns then cut him Wednesday.
In four seasons, Lemonier played in 50 games, making 38 tackles with three sacks, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He only played 115 snaps for Cleveland this season, making nine tackles. This season for the Browns he only played more than 20 snaps in two games.
The move is somewhat surprising because the coaching staff seemed to be high on Barnes, who had been improving as he learned the defense. But the Lions also have a major need in their pass rush and if they figure Lemonier could help them there, it might be a reason for taking a chance on a guy now on his third team.
