WILL HARRIS NEWS

Lions re-sign CB Will Harris The Detroit Lions announced Thursday that they have re-signed CB Will Harris.

MARCH 16, 2023 • DETROITLIONS.COM

Staying in Detroit Harris is expected to re-sign with the Lions on a one-year deal, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Impact Harris has played his first four NFL seasons with the Lions, and it looks like he'll remain there for at least one more season. The veteran corner will likely compete for nickel duties or a depth role in the secondary, as the team is expected to add Cam Sutton from the Steelers in free agency. Harris played in 15 games last season, recording 57 tackles (44 solo), four passes defended and an interception.

MARCH 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Report Has Ex-Husky DB Coach Leaving Georgia Southern for NFL Will Harris’ departure likely would dull safety Cam Williams’ enthusiasm for joining the Sun Belt team.

MARCH 14, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Pros and Cons of Lions Re-Signing Will Harris Read more on the pros and cons of the Detroit Lions re-signing defensive back Will Harris this offseason.

FEBRUARY 8, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

John Cominsky pops football free from Aaron Jones for Will Harris' key takeaway Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky pops the football free from Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones for Detroit Lions corne...

JANUARY 9, 2023 • NFL.COM

Ex-UW Safety Cam Williams Reunites with Will Harris at Georgia Southern The defensive back is one of four Huskies who have entered the transfer portal since the regular season ended.

DECEMBER 21, 2022 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Not playing Sunday Harris (hip) is inactive Sunday against the Vikings.

Impact Harris didn't land on the team's injury report until Thursday and was unable to practice Friday. In his absence, Jerry Jacobs and Mike Hughes will likely see increased opportunity opposite Jeff Okudah at corner.

DECEMBER 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable Harris (hip) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Vikings.

Impact Harris landed on the injury report Thursday as a limited participant due to a hip issue and was unable to practice Friday, but he'll still have a chance to suit up Sunday. However, if he's sidelined, Mike Hughes would presumably step up as the Lions' slot cornerback against Minnesota.

DECEMBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Five tackles in win Harris recorded six tackles (five solo) and a pass deflection during the 40-14 win Sunday against the Jaguars.

Impact Harris finished tied for both the most pass deflections and second most tackles on the team. The fourth-year cornerback has now recorded at least six tackles in five of the past six games, but will have the difficult task of trying to slow down Justin Jefferson and the Vikings passing attack next week.

DECEMBER 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Practices Wednesday Harris (hip) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Impact After suffering a hip injury during Week 5's matchup, Harris was unable to suit up for Sunday's game against Dallas. The 26-year-old has recorded 13 tackles and one interception through his five games with Detroit.

OCTOBER 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Sunday Harris (hip) is inactive Sunday against the Cowboys.

Impact Harris suffered the injury against the Patriots in Week 5, and he did not make enough of a recovery to suit up Sunday against the Cowboys over the team's bye week. In his absence, the returning Jerry Jacobs should see extra opportunity.

OCTOBER 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Out for remainder of game Harris (groin) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Impact Harris recorded one tackle before picking up the groin injury in the first half. In his absence, AJ Parker and Mike Hughes figure to see additional snaps moving forward.

OCTOBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to return Sunday Harris is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Patriots due to a groin injury.

Impact Harris recorded one tackle before leaving the contest in the first half due to a groin injury. In his absence, AJ Parker and Mike Hughes are candidates for increased roles.

OCTOBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Steps up with opportunity Harris had eight tackles (five solo), an interception and pass defensed in the Lions' 37-26 win over Washington on Sunday.

Impact Harris received the starting assignment with Amani Oruwariye (back) out for the game. The 2019 third-round selection delivered, while playing 100 percent of the snaps on defense. His interception was the first of his career, which helped stall the Commanders' comeback attempt. Although he may be relegated to backup duties if Oruwariye returns in Week 3 against the Vikings, Harris may have proven he deserves more snaps moving forward.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Rivera, Wentz frustrated after awful start dooms Commanders

Ron Rivera knew how good his Washington Commanders had played in the second half

SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Starter in preseason opener Harris started at cornerback during Friday's preseason game against Atlanta, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Impact Harris' dramatic career turnaround continues, as the failed-safety-turned-cornerback has worked his way to the top of Detroit's preseason depth chart over 2020 No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah. While Harris briefly left Friday's preseason opener to get his right hand taped, he returned on Detroit's second defensive series and seems to be alright going forward. At this point, Harris not only seems like a lock to make the roster but a strong candidate to open Week 1 in the starting lineup.

AUGUST 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ridder leads Falcons to late victory over Lions 27-23

Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Jared Bernhardt with 1:30 left to give the Atlanta Falcons a 27-23 win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday

AUGUST 13, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lions giving Harris chance to earn starting cornerback spot

Under a previous head coach and front office, Detroit drafted Will Harris in 2019 to play safety

AUGUST 1, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Staying at cornerback Head coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Harris will permanently play cornerback, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Impact After struggling at safety, Harris got a look at cornerback down the stretch of last season due to a rash of injuries, and his solid performance has given him new life in Detroit. In fact, the 2019 third-round pick has been alternating first-team reps with Jeff Okudah during the early days of training camp opposite No. 1 corner Amani Oruwariye. While Mike Hughes or Jerry Jacobs (knee) could push those two for reps before long, it at least seems clear that Harris is on the fast track to a roster spot.

JULY 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Will Harris: 'I'm Just Doing Whatever I'm Asked' Read more on what Detroit Lions defensive back Will Harris had to say during OTAs Thursday.

MAY 27, 2022 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Will Harris: 'I'm Just Doing Whatever I'm Asked' Read more on what Detroit Lions defensive back Will Harris had to say during OTAs Thursday.

MAY 27, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Not working as safety at OTAs Harris was primarily working as the outside cornerback opposite of Amani Oruwariye during Thursday's OTAs, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Impact Harris struggled as a safety last year, but he played well at cornerback after multiple injuries forced him to shift positions at the end the campaign. Lions head coach Dan Campbell hasn't confirmed an official position change, but it appears like the 2019 third-round pick is trending toward being a starting cornerback in Year 4.

MAY 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Defensive role uncertain Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated that Harris' defensive role in 2022 has yet to be determined, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Impact Harris has largely been a disappointment at safety since Detroit spent a third-round pick on him in 2019. However, multiple injuries to the Lions secondary forced him into a key role at cornerback to end the 2022 campaign, and he reportedly performed well enough for the Detroit coaching staff to consider a position change. With that said, the way the team spends its significant draft capital later this month will probably play a large role in how Harris ultimately fits into the team's new 4-3 defense.

APRIL 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Safety Will Harris Still Has Undefined Role in Lions' Defense Read more on how Detroit Lions safety Will Harris still has an undefined role in the team’s defense.

APRIL 9, 2022 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Logs 93 tackles in 2021 Harris logged 93 tackles, half of a sack, four pass breakups and one forced fumble over 17 games in 2021.

Impact Harris regularly logged the vast majority of defensive snaps for Detroit while switching between safety and cornerback. Although he seemingly struggled in the former role from time to time, Harris had all of his PBUs and his lone forced fumble while operating at nickelback. In the end, this was the best season yet from the 2019 third-round pick who jumped from 312 defensive snaps over 16 games in 2020 to nearly 1,000 over 17 games in 2021. Now set to play out the final year of his contract with Detroit in 2022, Harris should again handle a large role for the Lions, but it's possible he may not be needed for as many snaps as the team returns to full health in the secondary.

JANUARY 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE