The Miami Dolphins have added to the depth of their secondary by signing free agent cornerback Justin Coleman to a one-year deal.
Former #Lions CB Justin Coleman has agreed to terms with the #Dolphins on a one-year deal worth up to $2.75 million, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2021
Coleman, who turns 28 later this month, has six years of NFL experience with three different teams. He began his career as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots in 2015.
That Patriots connection was most likely a factor in the signing, given the fact that Dolphins head coach Brian Flores was on the Patriots’ coaching staff at the time that Coleman joined the team.
Over the course of his career, Coleman has largely come off the bench for his teams and has just four interceptions during his time in the NFL.
Coleman first made a name for himself in 2017, during his first of two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks when he picked off two passes and returned both for touchdowns.
During Coleman’s first season with the Detroit Lions in 2019, he started 11 of 16 games and had one interception while forcing three fumbles. However, a hamstring injury limited him to just five starts in 11 contests last season.
It’s possible that Coleman’s signing is something of a protective measure by the Dolphins, considering the talk of Xavien Howard wanting to renegotiate his contract.
That talk has also included the prospect of Howard asking to be traded.
