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Now that the wave of Calvin Johnson news has passed, time to focus back on free agency, which officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The latest Detroit Lions rumor has them linked to another defensive player from the Cincinnati Bengals. Linebacker Emmanuel Lamur is drawing interest from the Lions, Vikings and Dolphins:
Source indicates #Bengals Emmanuel Lamur is moving on #Lions #Vikings #Dolphins interested. https://t.co/JWJfl9ZqHT pic.twitter.com/KfbxUptHdI
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) March 9, 2016
Lamur is a young (26), undrafted linebacker. The Bengals picked him up in 2012 and he spent most of the year on the practice squad. Lamur really broke out in 2014, however, as he played the majority of the season as a starter, picking up 91 tackles and two interceptions along the way.
But in 2015, Lamur was demoted to mostly special teams play, only getting starting time when Vontaze Burfict was out with injury. He finished with just 19 tackles.
Lamur is a converted safety, so he's a decent coverage linebacker. Here's a bit more information from Jim Owczarski, the Bengals insider who broke the news:
@LionsFan4Everr @PrideOfDetroit Could improve v. run - has all physical tools to be 3 downs but needs to put it together...
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) March 9, 2016
@hyperboliclogic @PrideOfDetroit Primarily a nickel LB - best suited in coverage (converted safety) - physically gifted.
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) March 9, 2016
One problem with Lamur, however, is injuries. He lost his entire 2013 season to a preseason shoulder injury and he finished the 2015 season on the injured reserve list after suffering a knee injury in the regular season finale. However, Lamur has indicated that he is cleared for practice and has resumed training.
Lamur could fit nicely on the Lions' roster, with the Lions needing help at linebacker. Stephen Tulloch will not be around next year, and it looks like Tahir Whitehead will also be gone. Detroit was particularly vulnerable in linebacker coverage last year, and Lamur would provide an immediate boost there, not to mention some special teams help.