ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions added to their depleted secondary today, acquiring cornerback Chris Houston from the Atlanta Falcons in a trade and signing free agent cornerback Jonathan Wade.
Both players are three-year veterans and Houston, who started 38 games with the Falcons, is expected to step into a starting role while Wade will add depth and compete for the nickel back spot.
The Lions sent a sixth-round draft choice to the Falcons and the teams will also swap fifth-round picks -- the Falcons move to No. 2 in the round while the Lions will now pick in the No. 18 slot.
ESPN has reported that the trade has been finalized.
Wade spent his first three years with the Rams and started the first four games last season but then got benched.
"You can only do your best,'' Wade said. "I don't think my play dropped off. It was a situation with a new coaching staff. I was starting and then I wasn't playing. That's why I'm looking forward to this new opportunity.''