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Lions sign Shelton, Slay tweets desire for trade

DANNY SHELTON

DETROIT (AP) — Add a couple more names to the parade of ex-Patriots joining the Detroit Lions.

And one of the top players on Detroit’s current roster is apparently ready to leave.

The Lions agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with defensive tackle Danny Shelton. Shelton started 14 games last season for New England.

The Patriots also agreed to trade safety Duron Harmon to the Lions.

Also, cornerback Desmond Trufant was signing a two-year deal with the Lions. Darius Slay, who is currently Detroit’s top player at that position, tweeted the following in response to that reported deal:

“Congrats to my guy!!!! Hope that speeds up my trade process!!”

It would not be a surprise if Slay were dealt, but that activity on his twitter account added more drama to Detroit’s offseason.

Lions coach Matt Patricia has familiarity with Harmon. Patricia, now entering his third season as Detroit’s coach, was New England’s defensive coordinator before taking over the Lions.

The Lions have reportedly agreed to deals with offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai, linebacker Jamie Collins, defensive tackle Nick Williams and backup quarterback Chase Daniel.

Harmon played all seven of his previous NFL seasons with New England. He started a career-high eight games last season. Harmon has 17 career interceptions.

Shelton had three sacks and a forced fumble last season.

Detroit’s defense ranked 31st in the league last season.

Trufant’s first seven NFL seasons were with the Atlanta Falcons. He had four interceptions in nine games last season. He missed time with a broken forearm.

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