Free agent safety C.J. Moore inks new deal following gambling suspension

The Detroit Lions are re-signing safety C.J. Moore for the 2024 season following the former Ole Miss standout’s year-long suspension from gambling, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Moore didn’t play during the 2023 season after the league suspended him and several teammates.

While some served six-game suspensions, others were suspended indefinitely. Those suspended indefinitely had the opportunity to apply for reinstatement after the 2023 season. The league reinstated Moore and four more players last month.

The Lions picked Moore up as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss following the 2019 NFL Draft. He played three seasons for them before letting him go, leading to him signing with the Houston Texans in October of 2022. After joining the Texans’ practice squad, he then signed back on to the Lions active roster after a week.

Moore last played during the 2022 season, totaling 12 tackles with a fumble recovery in 11 games played. That led to Detroit signing him to a two-year, $4.5 million contract. Unfortunately, the league handed down the suspension just a month later, leading to his release last April. Now, Moore is signing a new one-year deal with the Lions.

Other Lions players suspended by the league for gambling violations were Jameson Williams, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, and defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor.

The NFL gambling rules state that a player can’t bet on league games. The other restrictions preclude players from placing bets while on team property. Also, while traveling for road games, players can’t wager from the hotel or while with the team in other areas.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year began at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially ran out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams had a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams could enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marked the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marked the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hit. Following the restricted free agent deadline followed the 2024 NFL Draft, which ran from April 25-27.