Lions Announce Signing Of Linebacker Brandon Copeland
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - On Tuesday the Detroit Lions announced their signing of linebacker Brandon Copeland, who worked out at the veteran combine that took place in Arizona during the NFL owners meetings two weeks ago.
Copeland chose the Lions over four other interested teams, he told the Baltimore Sun.
"I had great visits all over, but with the Lions it really came down to that familiarity with those coaches being from Baltimore," Copeland told the Sun. "I had a great feeling when I left there. I know there are opportunities everywhere, but their Ravens roots gave me a great feeling. I'm looking forward to getting started."
Both Lions head coach Jim Caldwell and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin coached with the Baltimore Ravens before coming to Detroit.
Copeland will join a deep linebacker group in Detroit that includes DeAndre Levy, one of the best in the league; Stephen Tulloch, a solid veteran who missed much of last season with injury; Tahir Whitehead, who filled in for Tulloch almost seamlessly; and Kyle Van Noy, the team's second-round pick in 2014.
The Lions have also signed 30-year-old cornerback Josh Wilson, according to the NFL transactions wire. A second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2007, Wilson has also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, the Washington Redskins and most recently the Atlanta Falcons. He has played in all 16 games in each of the last four seasons.
In 2014, Wilson recorded 27 tackles, one interception and seven passes defended.
