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Lions rumors: Detroit interested in Vaughn Martin?

The Detroit Lions reportedly have interest in free-agent defensive tackle Vaughn Martin.

Joe Robbins

Defensive end is quite possibly the Detroit Lions' biggest need right now. It is not the only need they have on the defensive line, though. The Lions aren't in need of starters at defensive tackle, but they are lacking depth behind Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.

As the Lions search for depth at defensive tackle, Vaughn Martin is a name worth keeping in mind. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports that the Lions are one of several teams interested in Martin, who was with the San Diego Chargers for the first four seasons of his career. The Chargers apparently want to re-sign Martin, but with the Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots all interested, it could be tough to bring him back.

Martin was actually a 3-4 defensive end in San Diego, but he would be a defensive tackle in the Lions' scheme. Last season, he had 19 total tackles and 1.0 sack in 12 games for the Chargers. Back in 2011, Martin racked up 47 total tackles and 1.0 sack in 16 games.

Martin, who is from Jamaica and played college football at Western Ontario, made 27 starts over the previous two seasons with the Chargers. With the Lions, he would only get a shot at starting if Suh or Fairley were unavailable, but he would certainly be a part of their rotation at defensive tackle.

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