The NFL offseason action has died down in Motor City now that the Detroit Lions have concluded their annual organized team activities (OTAs). A mandatory minicamp is off the table this spring due to the Lions preparing for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, meaning Dan Campbell & Co. have about four weeks to relax before training camp begins next month.
With some time to kill, Lions fans have spent the last few days checking in on what ex-Detroit players are up to this offseason. While some of those names are desperately trying to find a new employer before the action resumes, one former Lion just learned he won't have to seek a fresh start for at least a few more years.
Former Lions S DeShon Elliott Signs 2-Year Extension With Steelers
On Monday night, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed former Lions safety DeShon Elliott to a two-year, $12.5 million extension. The former 28-year-old defensive back had one season left on his previous contract which technically makes this a three-year situation, and will now make $9.21 million in guaranteed money going forward.
After being drafted 190th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Eliott joined the Lions on a one-year contract ahead of the 2022 season. He ended up starting in 13 of his 14 appearances with the team, all while tallying 73 solo tackles, three broken-up passes, one interception, one forced fumble, and a 66.5 Pro Football Focus defense grade.
Elliott's time in Detroit ended in a flash, though, as he left to join the Miami Dolphins once the season ended before signing a two-year, $6 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. The move to the Steel City paid off as Elliott amassed 72 solo tackles, six defended passes, three fumble recoveries while forcing two, and an interception.
That's without mentioning how he also finished with personal-best PFF grades regarding tackling (90.6), run stoppage (83.9), and overall defense (71.1).
Some players just don't work out in certain environments, and that appears to be the case for Elliott. The ex-Lions defender is clearly thriving since leaving town, and there's no reason to doubt he won't live up to his new contract based on his being one of the NFL's most reliable safeties last year.