After a tumultuous offseason that saw Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s gambling policy, the team has decided to give him another chance by re-signing him to a new contract.
According to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions made the decision to bring back Moore after he was reinstated by the league following a four-game suspension. The Lions had placed him on the reserve/suspended list in September after it was revealed that he had placed bets on NFL games, which is strictly prohibited by the league’s rules.
Moore, a former undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss, had emerged as a key contributor on the Lions’ defense before his suspension, recording 26 tackles and one interception in 12 games last season. His absence was felt by the team during the first four games of the 2022 season, as the Lions struggled to replace his production in the secondary.
Despite his misstep, the Lions’ coaching staff and front office reportedly believe in Moore’s talent and potential, which is why they were willing to give him another opportunity to prove himself on and off the field. In a statement released by the team, head coach Dan Campbell expressed his support for Moore and his commitment to turning things around.
“We believe in C.J. as a player and a person, and we are confident that he has learned from his mistake and will conduct himself in a manner that reflects positively on our organization moving forward,” Campbell said.
Moore, for his part, expressed gratitude for the Lions’ faith in him and vowed to make the most of his second chance.
“I made a mistake, and I am truly sorry for the distraction and disappointment that my actions caused for my teammates, coaches, and fans. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with the Lions, and I am committed to earning back the trust and respect of everyone associated with the organization,” Moore said in a statement.
The Lions’ decision to re-sign Moore is a calculated risk, but if he can stay out of trouble and focus on his performance on the field, he has the potential to be a key contributor for the team for years to come. Only time will tell if he can make the most of this opportunity and prove that he is worth the investment.
