Detroit Lions sign former Browns DT Jamie Meder

After placing Matthew Stafford, Mike Daniels and Kenny Wiggins on injured reserve this week, the Detroit Lions had three roster vacancies to fill. Earlier in the week, they filled one by claiming offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch via waivers. On Wednesday, they filled the second of three holes.

The Lions announced they’ve signed defensive tackle Jamie Meder. Meder has spent the majority of his five-year NFL career as part of the Cleveland Browns franchise. From 2014 to 2018, Meder played in 43 games (16 starts) and accumulated 95 tackles and 2.0 sacks.

However, Meder has spent much of the past two seasons out of the NFL. He was waived by the Browns in the first week of the 2018 season and didn’t find a team the rest of the year. He spent most of the 2019 offseason with the Seattle Seahawks, but he could not make their final cut after an 11-tackle preseason performance in four games.

At 6-foot-2, 308 pounds, Meder is a run-stuffing defensive tackle that could help the Lions in the interim while they deal with a bunch of injuries on the defensive line. A’Shawn Robinson missed last game, while Mike Daniels and Da’Shawn Hand have been sent to the IR this month. Last game, the Lions relied on defensive tackle Frank Herron to handle 43 snaps on Sunday, despite joining the team just days before.

Overall, Meder is a guy the Lions can essentially get a free look at. If it doesn’t work out, no harm done. If it does, maybe they have a guy that contend for a roster spot next year.