The Detroit Lions were linked to tight end Jared Cook earlier in the day as one of three heavy pursuers, along with the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills. It doesn’t appear the Lions have made any progress on that front as the day passed, but the Lions aren’t giving up on tight ends. According to several sources, Detroit will be hosting Darren Fells on Friday.
Source: #AZCardinals TE Darren Fells is visiting the #Lions tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
Fells, at 6-foot-7, 281 pounds, is more like the blocking tight ends that the Lions are severely lacking. He graded out as the third-best pass blocker and 17th-best run blocker according to Pro Football Focus. He’s not exactly a dual threat, as the 30-year-old only has 40 catches in his career.
Fells has only played professional football for three years, despite being 30 years old. Out of college, Fells pursued a professional basketball career abroad in Europe and South America. In 2013, he spent the majority of the season on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. In the following three seasons, Fells made 38 game appearances and 24 starts.
In other free agency visit news, it appears T.J. Lang’s visit in Detroit is over. The veteran offensive guard will continue to weigh his options by taking visits elsewhere.
A couple updates: TJ Lang is planning on taking a few more visits. No plans to sign with the Lions tonight.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 9, 2017
The Packers and Seahawks are rumored to still be in the mix for Lang.