The Detroit Lions
signed their best cornerback off the street in the middle of training camp last year, and they're hoping for another dose of defensive back magic this fall.
The Lions signed veteran cornerback Drayton Florence to a one-year deal today, adding depth to the thinnest unit on their team.
Florence played eight games for the Lions in 2012, a season that was interrupted by a broken forearm. He made five starts and intercepted two passes for the Carolina Panthers last year.
Florence was considered the best cornerback on the free agent market, and he'll compete with Cassius Vaughn and Jonte Green for the No. 4 spot.
The Lions typically keep five or six cornerbacks, and their top three corners appear to be locked in. Rashean Mathis, who signed last August and was the Lions' best corner last year, and Darius Slay will start, and Bill Bentley plays in most nickel packages.
Rookie fourth-round pick Nevin Lawson also has a roster spot secure, but he's not likely to contribute much this fall.
Florence fills the roster spot opened by the Lions
waiving receiver Jonathan Baldwin on Wednesday.
Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett .