DeShon Elliott signs with new NFL team following visit

Former Baltimore Ravens safety and Texas Longhorns standout DeShon Elliott has found a new NFL home after visiting with the team. The Detroit Lions will be signing Elliott on a one-year contract as he moves on from Baltimore after four seasons.

DeShon Elliott signs with Lions

“DeShon Elliott to the Lions on a one-year deal. He was recently on a visit to Detroit,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Wednesday.

The former All-American from Texas has struggled with staying healthy over his first four seasons in the NFL, beginning by missing his entire rookie season with a fractured forearm. Elliott saw limited action in 2018, appearing in six games and recording six total tackles. In 2019 he played in six games again before suffering a knee injury that ended his third year of play.

In 2020, Elliott had his first full year by playing all 16 games after replacing Earl Thomas. Elliott recorded 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, alongside 80 total tackles — before taking another step back last season with injuries. Missing early games last year with a quad injury, Elliott managed to take the field for six games again before tearing a pectoral muscle and biceps muscle.

Elliott has seen the field in 28 games over the past four years, totaling 109 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. After ending three of his first four years on injured reserve, Elliott will look to rebound with Detroit.

In his junior year with Texas, Elliott was named Consensus All-American after a season with 50 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and six interceptions — the most in the Big 12 Conference.