The Detroit Lions' recent history includes scattered dives into free agency for veteran defensive backs to provide insurance against a projected starter's demise. Most recently, safeties Tyrell Johnson and Erik Coleman found their way onto the Lions' roster.
Given that context, we probably shouldn't get too worked up about Monday's decision to sign veteran Chris Hope, who played last season for the Atlanta Falcons after a six-year run with the Tennessee Titans that overlapped with current Lions coach Jim Schwartz when he was the Titans' defensive coordinator. Still, it's difficult to ignore the obvious projected starter whose demise might be feared.
Louis Delmas didn't take a single offseason snap during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. Longtime backup Don Carey handled the position alongside newly-acquired Glover Quin, and while it's assumed that Delmas will be ready for training camp, his long run of knee injuries makes it really hard to know what lies ahead.
The guess is that Carey would be the Lions' choice if Delmas isn't ready to play this season. Hope gives them another option, and one who is more familiar with their defensive scheme than most available free agents. We'll see where it goes.
