Report: Lions had defensive tackle Malcom Brown in for visit

With a potential greater need on the interior defensive line, the Detroit Lions brought Malcom Brown in for a visit.

Near the start of training camp, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell cited a need to add “girth” to the defensive line. To that end, according to ESPN’s Field Yates, they had defensive tackle Malcom Brown in for a visit.

Brown was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after one season there last week, and he was easy to see as a possible fit for the Lions. Campbell and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were on the New Orleans Saints coaching staff during his two seasons there (2019-2020).

Apart from that bit of familiarity, Brown has the size (320 pounds) Campbell mentioned almost a month ago and the Lions are presumably still somewhat looking for. A first-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2015 and a two-time Super Bowl winner, Brown is still just 28 and he has played every game in two of the last three seasons.

Yates reported earlier this week that Brown had a visit with the Washington Commanders . That is his only other known visit, but perhaps his market will start to pick up as teams trim down to 53 players to head into the season with.

Lions may have a greater need now, which Malcom Brown could fill

Thursday’s injury update from Campbell on second-year defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike was not great. His progress from a back/hip injury was described as moving at a “snail’s pace”, and he’s basically a lock to miss the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

A much longer absence is definitely in play, and Onwuzurike (295 pounds) definitely qualifies as girth (and now missing girth, for a time period to be determined) on the interior of the Lions’ defensive line.

Brown had a bad season by many accounts and measures with Jacksonville last year, but that can be chalked up to a broader situation that was…not ideal. He could be find a nice fit with the Lions, and help them fill a need that has grown a bit with the news on Onwuzurike.