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James Ihedigbo, former free safety for the Baltimore Ravens has agreed to a 2 year contract with the Detroit Lions to start at strong safety where his talents are better suited. The exact terms of the contract haven't been publicly announced yet.
It's Agreed upon! I'm a @DetroitLionsNFL I'm excited for what's ahead and helping this team achieve greatness!!! #HeartOfALion #LionsNation
— DIGGZ32 (@JamesIhedigbo) March 25, 2014
The Ravens didn't renew Ihedigbo's contract this offseason after making public announcements to move Matt Elam to strong safety and to find a more "play making" free safety. After signing free agent Darian Stewart, it was increasingly apparent that the Ravens had moved on from Ihedigbo.
Head coach John Harbaugh had this to say about Ihedigbo:
There are certain traits that you look for. I am looking at safeties now in the draft. You want tacklers. You want guys with range and you want guys with ball skills. James has all those things. He can cover ground, he has ball skills and he’s a tackler.
He’s a leader. He’s a man of strong faith and conviction. Nobody is going to work harder. He will be a great leader for your younger players.
Signed as a free agent himself from New England, Ihedigbo played every game in his 2 seasons for the Ravens while getting the starting nod last year. He put up 101 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 interceptions last year alone and will be missed for his hard play on the field.