The Detroit Lions continue to provide low-key defensive assistance in the second wave of free agency. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL NetworkThe Lions signed linebacker Chris Board, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, to a one-year contract. This came about an hour after news broke that the Lions had also added former first-round cornerback Mike Hughes.
Board, who was not drafted to ND State in 2018, has spent his entire four-year career with the Ravens and has been an active member every season. In all four years, Board played at least 15 games, mostly as a special player. But his defensive role has grown with each season, from 14 snaps in his rookie season to 64 next year, 264 in 2020 and then 337 last year, all while being a specialty with four snaps. As a quarterback, Bord averaged 41 tackles and two quarterback hits in 2021, but he really excelled as a special player, earning an 83.5 PFF.
He was such an integral part of the team that, according to Garafolo, the Ravens were interested in having him back.
However, in Detroit, the Council may have the opportunity to compete for a starting role. Detroit allowed Jalen Reeves-Mabin, who started 11 games last season, to go free. And while they re-signed veteran Alex Anzalone, they only gave him a modest deal and the only other midfielder with significant starting experience is Derrick Barnes, who is finishing his rookie season.
At 6’2″ and weighing 229 pounds, Borde fits the Lions’ need for a sideline linebacker with good athletic qualities:
Here’s a look at some of his highlights from the past year:
You can track all Lviv free agent activity here.