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After free agency opened last week, the Detroit Lions brought in fullback Henry Hynoski for a visit. Hynoski fit the profile of a traditional, blocking type of fullback that the Lions are planning to add back to their offense, but he decided to re-sign with the New York Giants.
After missing out on Hynoski, the Lions plan to bring in fullback Jed Collins for a visit on Wednesday, according to the Free Press' Dave Birkett. Collins entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2008, and he was with the New Orleans Saints from 2010-13. He started out on their practice squad, but he became their starting fullback in 2011 after replacing Heath Evans.
Last season, Collins made eight starts for the Saints and carried the ball 15 times for 45 yards and 1 touchdown. He also caught 14 passes for 54 yards. Like Hynoski, he is a more traditional fullback, and he would immediately become the Lions' top player at that position if he signs with Detroit.
Considering that Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi was in New Orleans at the same time as Collins, it would make a lot of sense to sign him. He's got experience in the system the Lions are planning to base their offense around, and Lombardi already knows him quite well. Plus, Collins is exactly the type of fullback the Lions are looking to add to their offense, so he's a pretty good fit in that regard as well.