Lions add offensive lineman Brian Mihalik

The Lions signed Armonty Bryant on Tuesday, but they received a roster exemption for Bryant that remains in effect until 4 pm E.T. on Monday. As such, the roster spot opened up by placing Wallace Gilberry on IR remained open for one more player, and the Lions have announced on Thursday that they have signed offensive lineman Brian Mihalik to fill that spot.

Mihalik was a seventh-round draft pick out of Boston College, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. Back then and in college, he was actually a defensive end. He spent time on the Eagles practice squad but was released shortly into the season. The Steelers signed him to a futures contract in the offseason and converted Mihalik to the offensive tackle position, of which he had no prior experience playing. He was waived/injured in August with an undisclosed injury and did not make the final Steelers roster.

Our own Kent Lee Platte points out his excellent skill in college as a defensive end, but it’s not certain what he brings to the table as an offensive lineman — unless the Lions plan to move him back to his original position.

Mihalik’s place on the team isn’t guaranteed. The exemption for Armonty Bryant runs out on Monday, so the Lions will need to make a move to get back to the 53-man limit after Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.