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The 2016 NFL year started on Monday, and the Detroit Lions have already made their first signing of the year:
The #Lions have signed LB Jerry Franklin.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) February 11, 2016
Jerry Franklin has most recently spent time on the New Orleans Saints 2015 squad before being part of the cuts to get down to a 53-man roster. He was not on an NFL roster during the 2015 regular season.
Franklin went undrafted in 2012 but bounced around several teams' practice squads before being signed to the Chicago Bears' roster. Franklin played in a few games as a special teamer for Chicago over the next two seasons.
Following his stint in Chicago, Franklin spent part of 2014 with the Kansas City Chiefs, before being waved and subsequently being claimed by the New Orleans Saints.
Franklin's signing indicates that the Lions are trying to add some depth to the linebacker position, but he has a long way to go to prove his worth on the roster.