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The Detroit Lions have signed another veteran defender. Just a day after officially adding veteran defensive tackle Justin Bannan, the Lions signed veteran outside linebacker Rocky McIntosh to a one-year deal, as first reported by Pro Football Talk. Linebacker Adrian Moten, who was just claimed off waivers last week, was released to make room for him.
McIntosh joins the Lions after working out for them at the end of July. The Lions actually worked out four linebackers on the same day, and they decided on Saturday to officially add McIntosh to their roster.
McIntosh, 30, is entering his eighth season in the NFL. He spent his first six seasons with the Washington Redskins, and he played for the St. Louis Rams in 2012. He made nine starts in 16 games last year and recorded 44 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 pass defended and 1 interception.
To me, this move signals that the Lions aren't pleased with what they've seen in the position battle at left outside linebacker. Ashlee Palmer seems to have done enough to win the starting spot, but Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead have been less than stellar in the preseason so far. By adding McIntosh, the Lions now have some veteran depth at the position in case Palmer doesn't work out or in case he gets hurt.