Report: Detroit Lions to host nickel CB Nickell Robey-Coleman for visit Monday

The Lions could be in the market for nickel corner depth.

According to a report from Josina Anderson, the Detroit Lions are scheduled to host free agent cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman for a visit on Monday.

Robey-Coleman is an eight-year veteran in the NFL and typically plays in the nickel, though he has some versatility Both the Lions’ front office and coaching staff know him well, as Robey-Coleman played for the Los Angeles Rams from 2017 to 2019. That means he was coached by current Lions defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant and signed with the Rams while Lions general manager Brad Holmes and assistant general manager Ray Agnew were both in Los Angeles’ front office.

In his eight years in the NFL, Robey-Coleman has played in 126 games and started 30. His best season came in 2017 with the Rams, when he tallied nine passes defended, two interceptions, 49 tackles and a career-high 80.5 PFF grade. His play slipped last year with the Eagles, however, earning just a PFF grade of 51.1.

The Lions could potentially use some nickel depth right now. While Mike Ford appears to be in line for the starting job, backup Corn Elder left Friday’s practice with a leg injury. At this point, it’s not clear how serious the injury is, but he was not at Saturday’s scrimmage at Ford Field, and Detroit’s interest in Robey-Coleman could be a sign the injury may keep him out awhile.