Miami Dolphins add to cornerback depth with Justin Coleman, source says
The Dolphins also agreed to a two-year contract with former New England Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Coleman, 27, started 16 games — mostly in the slot — in his two seasons with the Lions before he was released, breaking up 14 passes with one interception. He also had three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, all in 2019.
He is expected to compete with Noah Igbinoghene and Nik Needham for a backup spot with the Dolphins.
Coleman signed a four-year, $36 million contract with the Lions during free agency in 2019, making him one of the league’s highest-paid slot corners at the time.
He went undrafted out of Tennessee and has played two seasons each in New England, Seattle and Detroit, appearing in 79 games (29 starts) and breaking up 41 passes with four interceptions and two returned for touchdowns. He also has forced four fumbles, recovered four fumbles and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery.
Butler spent the first four years of his NFL career in New England, including two with Dolphins coach Brian Flores. He joins what’s become a stout Dolphins defensive tackle room with Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis and Zach Sieler.
Butler, who had four sacks and six tackles for loss last season, is likely to take on a rotational role adding depth and competition. He will replace Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, who agreed to a larger deal with the Patriots on Monday.
In another move Wednesday, the Dolphins reached agreement with veteran wide receiver Robert Foster, his agency, SportsTrust Advisors, announced. Foster has averaged 20.1 yards per catch in limited NFL opportunities with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Football Team and seems set to compete for a roster spot. Foster played his last year at Alabama with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
NFL Network first reported the Dolphins’ agreements with Coleman and Butler.
ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe and Michael Rothstein contributed to this report.