Lions' recent OL signings 'not an indictment on anybody'

The Detroit Lions added a pair of veteran interior offensive linemen this week by signing Leroy Harris and Jake Scott. Harris actually got a two-year deal, whereas Scott only signed for one year.

Why exactly did the Lions feel the need to sign not one, but two veterans for the interior of the offensive line? Could the Lions not like what they're seeing out of Larry Warford, Rodney Austin and other players expected to be in the mix for spots in the lineup? Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said on Tuesday that that's not the case. Instead, the Lions simply saw an opportunity to add "quality" players into the mix at offensive guard and center. From the Free Press:

"It’s absolutely not an indictment on anybody," Schwartz said. "It’s just a fact of being able to add quality players and keep adding them. We have 90 guys in camp, so might as well take advantage of that and set ourselves up the best we can."

The Lions currently have a total of 10 interior linemen on their roster, and Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola and Warford are projected to be the three starters. If the Lions keep four tackles, that likely leaves two spots open for backups at offensive guard and center. Harris and Scott will compete with Austin, Bill Nagy, Dylan Gandy, Derek Hardman and Darren Keyton for those final couple spots, setting up an interesting battle that will be worth keeping an eye on in training camp.