The next installment for our 2025 Detroit Lions free agency preview takes us on the defensive side of the ball, focusing on cornerback Emmanuel Moseley. Moseley has had some of the worst luck since arriving in Detroit. After tearing his ACL in 2022, the Lions signed him on a one-year deal, and in his debut in 2023, he tore his other ACL just two plays into his debut.
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2024 had a similar fate for Moseley, as injuries once again limited his playing time, playing in only two games. Let’s look and see if the third time is the charm for Moseley in Detroit.
Here’s a look at our previously written free agent profiles: WR Tim Patrick, G Kevin Zeitler, OT Dan Skipper, DT Kyle Peko, LB Derrick Barnes, CB Carlton Davis, K Michael Badgley
Expectations heading into 2024
After tearing his ACL in 2023, GM Brad Holmes gave Moseley another chance and re-signed him to another one-year deal. With the team overhauling their secondary once again, Moseley still had a chance to compete for a starting role at the nickelback spot, once he returned from his torn ACL.
The Lions traded for cornerback Carlton Davis, signed Amik Robertson, and drafted cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. With the new additions it would make it tougher for Moseley to win the starting job, but with defensive back Brian Branch moving it safety, it was a competition between him, Robertson, and Rakestraw.
Actual role in 2024
Note: PFF grades combine regular season and playoffs and reflect a minimum 20% snaps at that position. Moseley did not hit this threshold.
Season stats — 2 games (0 starts): 29 special teams snaps - one assist tackle
PFF Special Teams grade: 55.4
While fighting for the starting nickel role in training camp, Moseley would tear his pectoral in joint practices with the New York Giants, landing him on IR before the season would begin. Lions head coach Dan Campbell had faith in Moseley though to return in the 2024 season.
“Yeah, it’s tough. That’s tough, and he’s the one that has put so much work into coming back from two ACLs and it’s frustrating,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said during training camp. “Look, you’ve got two decisions, you either rally one more time or you say, ‘You know what, enough’s enough.’ And my gut’s going to tell me that he’s going to rally again.”
Moseley returned from the injury, making his 2024 debut in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts, playing 15 snaps on special teams. People believed his special team snaps were a ramp up for a return on defense, but he would be inactive Weeks 13, 14, and 15 before returning to play 14 more special teams snaps in Week 16.
In the final three weeks, Moseley was active for two weeks but never saw the field. He finished the season with an illness that landed him on the Non-Football Illness list, forcing him to miss the regular season finale and the postseason.
Outlook for 2025
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent
Pros of re-signing
With how the 2024 Lions season went—with players getting injured left and right—it never hurts to have depth, especially at a position where the future is unknown in Detroit. With Davis, Vildor, and Dorsey also facing free agency, the Lions could use a vet to help out the young players in Arnold, Rakestraw, and any possible future rookies.
Cons of re-signing
People often say third time’s a charm, but when it comes to this situation, I am not sure if that is the right move. Moseley has played in only three games in the two seasons he has been with Detroit. He has suffered two long-term injuries, costing him a majority of playing time, and even when he was healthy and able to play in 2024, he could only see special teams snaps.
The injuries have piled up with him and with three serious injuries in three years, it’s fair to ask how much does he have left in the tank? While he would be cheap, his spot could be used by someone else who is more active, younger, and well deserving.
Is there interest from both sides?
With general manager Brad Holmes, he loves a good deal on a player coming off an injury, but with Moseley returning and still not playing well, I am not sure if the team is interested in having him back. Being a healthy inactive for three games isn’t a good sign as a veteran player.
Cost?
Moseley would be a cheap re-signing, even cheaper than his one-year deal for $2.8 million last season. His cost should be at maximum, $2 million, but even that seems like an overpay for a special teams player. If Moseley can play on defense, he can be worth more, but with his injury history and recent performance on the field, a pay bump doesn’t make sense.
Conclusion
Out of all of the Lions free agents this season, this one seems like the easiest decision out there. The Lions should move on from Moseley as he isn’t available when the team needs him. His special teams skills are replaceable by younger, more dependable players. You can only give players so many chances when dealing with injuries, but eventually you have to cut your losses and move on.
What do you think the Lions should do with Emmanuel Moseley?
