Lions Re-Sign Safety C.J. Moore After Being Reinstated From Gambling Suspension

The Detroit Lions are re-signing free agent safety C.J. Moore after he served a one-year suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced the one-year deal Tuesday afternoon on social media.

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore played 56 games, 344 snaps with team from 2019-22

Moore signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut that September and played 56 games over four seasons (2019-22) with Detroit.

In 11 games played with the Lions during the 2022 season, Moore recorded seven solo tackles, 12 combined tackles, five assists on tackles, and one pass defended. Across four seasons, he played 344 snaps. 

However, Moore and Jameson Williams were among the four Lions suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy in April 2023.

Williams and wide receiver Stanley Berryhill were suspended six games, but Moore and wide receiver Quintez Cephus were suspended for a full season for betting on NFL games. The team released both players following the league’s announcement.

Detroit ranked 27th in passing defense in the 2023 season 

“These players exhibited decision making that is not consistent with our organization’s values and violates league rules. We have made the decision to part ways with Quintez and C.J. immediately,” said Brad Holmes, the Lions’ executive vice president and general manager.

The Lions missed his presence in the secondary last season. Detroit ranked 27th in passing defense, allowing 4,205 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns.  

“That was hard for us at the end of camp to do what we felt like we had to do just for the roster,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said about cutting Moore. “We didn’t want to lose him, but we felt like we had to do it at that moment. 

“And so, we — [general manager] Brad [Holmes] and I — had our eye on C.J. the whole time. We knew we had to get through the injury-settlement period, and then when we had the chance to get him back, [we did].

“He’s a pivotal piece to our special teams, first off. But he also understands the defense; he’s been a part of it. He’s a guy that it means a lot to him, he cares, he’s a professional and guys love him, man. He’s an energy guy.”