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Detroit Lions ink another free agent linebacker

By Steven Mullenax

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Brandon Bolden #38 of the New England Patriots and Jonathan Freeny #55 celebrate during the second half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Brandon Bolden #38 of the New England Patriots and Jonathan Freeny #55 celebrate during the second half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Lions continue to add free agents to their linebacker corps. This time, someone new head coach Matt Patricia is very familiar with.

Things are a-changin’ in the Motor City. But it was to be expected considering the massive coaching changes the Detroit Lions have gone through this offseason. With former New England defensive guru Matt Patricia named head coach, the Lions are expected to look much different in 2018. On the defensive side of the ball, anyway.

Known for his dynamic defensive scheme, the Lions figured to be in the market for depth at both the linebacker position and along their defensive line. Detroit simply needed players who possess scheme versatility, as Patricia is know for his dynamic defensive strategy that can morph between diverse formations like the 4-3 and 3-4. Being able to be that flexible simply requires more bodies at key positions.

On Monday, the Lions found themselves yet another free agent to add to their roster. And this one is a player Patricia is very familiarity with. Detroit signed former Patroits’ linebacker Jonathan Freeny to an undisclosed contract.

Entering his seventh NFL season, Freeny was originally an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers in 2011. He joined the Miami Dolphins, starting on their practice squad and eventually landing a role on special teams. After three seasons in Miami, Freeny join Patricia in New England for two full years.

Last season, the 28-year old bounced between the Patriots, the Baltimore Ravens and the New Orleans Saints. Freeny has posted a total of 108 tackles and 2.0 sacks in his six-year career.

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By joining the Detroit Lions, Jonathan Freeny gives Matt Patricia a reliable special teamer who can provide some much needed depth at linebacker. This latest free agent signee joins some other new faces within Detroit’s linebacker corps. Both Christian Jones and Devon Kennard were added to this Lions’ roster when the free agency market opened nearly two weeks ago.

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