This week, two former Detroit Lions players took different paths in their NFL careers as roster changes continued during training camp.
The Indianapolis Colts announced the release of cornerback Corey Ballentine after just one week of camp. Ballentine had signed a one-year deal worth $1.337 million, with $482,500 guaranteed, earlier this offseason. In a related move, the Colts brought back veteran nickelback Chris Lammons, who had previously been waived in January.
Ballentine, 29, was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Throughout his career, he has navigated through seven different teams, including a brief period with the Lions after they claimed him off waivers from the New York Jets in September 2021. During his time in Detroit, he participated in four games, mostly on special teams, where he logged 48 snaps and returned four kickoffs for a total of 94 yards. His NFL journey has also taken him to teams like Atlanta, Arizona, and Green Bay.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have signed offensive lineman Matt Nelson, another former Lion. Nelson, also 29, initially joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2019. Detroit transitioned him from defensive line to offensive tackle, a move that proved beneficial as he appeared in 43 games and made 14 starts from 2020 to 2023. Notably, he had 11 starts during the challenging 2021 season, which marked Dan Campbell’s inaugural season as head coach, where the Lions finished with just three wins. Primarily featuring at right tackle, Nelson was also used frequently in heavy personnel packages to bolster the offensive line.
As these former Lions continue to pursue their NFL careers, it serves as a reminder of the competitive nature and ever-changing dynamics of professional football. These transitions highlight both the challenges and opportunities players face as they strive to secure their spots on NFL rosters.