The Detroit Lions continue to strengthen their roster in the second phase of free agency by adding another experienced defensive back.
According to NFL Network, the Lions are set to sign former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. The financial details of the contract have not been disclosed.
The 28-year-old defender becomes the second cornerback Detroit has signed this offseason, following the addition of former New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed. Reed’s signing addressed a starting cornerback vacancy left by Carlton Davis, who departed after one season to sign a lucrative deal with the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, the losses of Ifeatu Melifonwu to the Miami Dolphins and Kindle Vildor to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers left Detroit lacking depth in the secondary and a player capable of contributing on special teams.
The acquisition of Ya-Sin helps fill those gaps.
Last season, his role with the 49ers was limited, logging just 62 defensive snaps and 107 on special teams over 13 games. However, throughout his six-year career, he has demonstrated reliability as a defender.
His best season came in 2021, his third year in the league. In 13 games (eight starts) for the Indianapolis Colts—who selected him 34th overall in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft—Ya-Sin recorded 31 tackles, eight pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Quarterbacks completed just 53.3% of their passes when he was the primary defender.
Along with stints with the Colts and 49ers, Ya-Sin has also played for the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders.
