Detroit Lions Sign S Chris Hope, Release Wide Receiver Brian Robiskie
By Chris Roling
The Detroit Lions performed some minor housekeeping today by bolstering the depth at safety with veteran Chris Hope and cutting a wide receiver in Brian Robiskie who did not figure to play a major role next season.
ESPN’s very own Adam Schefter was the first to break the news via Twitter:
Lions announced they have signed former Steelers and Titans S Chris Hope, and released WR Brian Robiskie.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 24, 2013
Robiskie was stuck behind a wealth of talent on the depth chart including the likes of Mike Thomas, Ryan Broyles and Nate Burleson. Oh, and a guy named Calvin Johnson.
On the other hand, safety is one of the team’s weakest links. Louis Delmas is a starter in one slot with free-agent acquisition Glover Quin manning the other. That said, the quality of the depth behind the duo left something to be desired.
At 32 years of age, Hope is an 11-year-veteran most recently of the Atlanta Falcons where he acted as quality depth and recorded just 26 tackles. In Detroit he will act as a mentor to Delmas and provide a leadership role. If injuries strike he will be able to bring over a decade of NFL experience to the table and at least potentially keep the secondary performing at a respectable level.
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