Lions sign former 3rd round pick with ties to Lions' coaching staff

The Detroit Lions were looking for some more linebacker help this week. After some workouts on Saturday , the team has signed veteran linebacker Malik Jefferson.

Jefferson is a former third-round pick by the Bengals in 2018. He played in 12 games his rookie season and then got hurt. The Bengals would cut him before the 2019 season. He would go on to have stints with Browns. Chargers, Titans and Cowboys.

In 2021 he was with the Colts with Lions' assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery. He spent the season on the practice squad. Things haven't worked out for the former Longhorn who had an exceptional run at Texas. He was a multi-time All-American and was the Co-Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

In total, Jefferson has played 38 regular season games in his career and has no starts. He's just looking to find the best situation for him. Detroit might not be that spot, but we'll see.

In terms of Jefferson's chances to make the roster, it's going to be an uphill battle. especially with Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and Ben Niemann all in front of him.

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