Despite a rather lackluster first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period, the Detroit Lions did make one under-the-radar move that will help out in multiple areas. Defensive end and part-time linebacker Brandon Copeland, signed his exclusive rights tender with the team.
Lions DE Brandon Copeland has signed his exclusive rights tender, per a source. Copeland is set to make $615,000… https://t.co/EzzuV7Z26G
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) March 8, 2017
It was very unlikely that Copeland was going to land anywhere else, but the contract had to be agreed upon to make the deal official.
You may remember the Lions first signed Copeland after the NFL’s inaugural veteran’s combine in 2015. The 246-pound linebacker ran an impressive 4.52-second forty yard dash. The impressive speed caught the eye of Lions head coach Jim Caldwell and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, two of Copeland’s former coaches in his days with Baltimore.
Now after two full seasons in Detroit, he has played in every game since coming aboard. His strong special team’s presence along with his ability to play defensive end and linebacker has made him very valuable. He has amassed 30 combined tackles, a half sack, and a forced fumble in his limited action.
The 25-year-old Copeland has a great opportunity to continue his unheralded role and be a vital piece on the Lions roster.
