The Detroit Lions have announced defensive backs Mike Ford and Dee Virgin have signed exclusive rights free agent offers.
“Ford returns for his third season with the Lions after posting 33 tackles (31 solo) and three pass defenses in 22 games played (six starts) over the 2018-19 seasons,” the Lions said in a press release. “He originally joined Detroit as an undrafted free agent out of Southeast Missouri State following the 2018 NFL Draft.”
Both Ford and Virgin played key roles on special teams, rotating with undrafted rookie safety C.J. Moore as the primary gunners on special teams. Ford also held down a key reserve role at cornerback and stepped up when his number was called against the Chiefs in Week 4.
“Virgin enters his third season with the Lions after joining the team via waivers from the Houston Texans prior to the 2018 season,” the Lions said in a press release. “In 19 career games, he’s posted 11 special teams tackles (10 solo) and one special teams forced fumble. He originally signed with the Texans as an undrafted rookie free agent out of West Alabama following the 2017 NFL Draft, and spent his rookie season on the team’s practice squad.”
The Lions have made a heavy investment in special teams this offseason, including adding Tony McRae, who was with Lions special teams coach Brayden Coombs last season in Cincinnati, and he will be in direct competition with Ford and Virgin for starting gunner roles this season.