The Detroit Lions have re-signed veteran safety and standout special teams player C.J. Moore to a one-year deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Moore was just allowed to return to the NFL after serving an indefinite suspension in 2023 for breaking the gambling regulations of the organization.
After going undrafted in2019, Moore first signed with the Lions. He was able to secure a spot on the 53-man roster by demonstrating sufficient promise on special teams. Moore was a member of the Lions through the 2022 offseason. When the Lions required a roster place, Moore was released with an injury settlement. After he recovered, Moore spent a brief time practicing with the Houston Texans, but he asked his agent to contact the Lions in order to return to Detroit.
“I was literally telling my agent, ‘I want to come back to Detroit,’ because I know the type of confidence we have in this locker room,” Moore said after his return to Detroit. Moore re-signed with the Lions in the 2023 offseason, this time on a two-year deal worth $4.5 million with $3 million guarantees. This was a significant offer for a player who was primarily a special teams player.
Sadly, Moore and four other Lions were found to have broken the NFL’s gambling regulations and received suspensions. Moore was suspended indefinitely before being allowed to return in the middle of April due to reports that he was betting on NFL games (the specifics of this have not been made public).
Though they were also interested in a seasoned safety, the Lions have always placed a high emphasis on guys who perform well on special teams. The oldest player in the Lions’ current safety group, who is only 25 years old, is still in the midst of his rookie contract.
NFL teams are permitted to carry up to 90 players at this time of year. With Moore’s re-signing, the Lions have three places left after the acquisition of reportedly 21 rookies during and after the draft. This could indicate that the Lions are still looking to add more experienced depth to their safety or other needs.