Detroit Lions sign linebacker, special teams ace, Chris Board

The Detroit Lions have added some more defensive depth, signing former Ravens linebacker and special teams standout Chris Board.

The Detroit Lions have had a relatively active night to conclude the first day of the second week of NFL free agency. After news that they’ll sign cornerback Mike Hughes, Mike Garafolo of NFL Media has reported the Lions have also agreed to a one-year deal with linebacker Chris Board.

After going undrafted out of North Dakota State in 2018, Board spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, appearing in 63 of a possible 65 regular season games. He played at least 330 special teams snaps in three of those four campaigns, while his defensive role increase over the last two seasons (264 and 337 defensive snaps respectively). He had 2.5 sacks in 2020, and 41 total tackles last season. He has twice finished among the top-25 in the league in special teams tackles.

The Ravens apparently made an effort to keep him, per Garafolo. But Board certainly saw a better potential opportunity with the Lions.

Chris Board adds some upside to Lions’ linebacking corps

Board seems likely to compete for a starting job with Derrick Barnes and Josh Woods (and I’d add Alex Anzalone should be guaranteed nothing). He’ll effectively replace the departed Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who signed with the Houston Texans.

Board has athleticism in spades. As he played more defensive snaps for Baltimore he was used primarily on passing downs, in coverage and as a blitzer (74 blitzes and 12 quarterback pressures over the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Reference).

The Lions depth chart at inside linebacker was begging to have someone added in free agency, ideally with upside to go with some experience. They seem to have covered those bases with Board, and if he doesn’t win a starting job he’ll be no less than a core special teamer next season.