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The Detroit Lions have added veteran quarterback Tom Savage, the team announced on Tuesday.
Savage was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, where he spent four years as the team’s backup quarterback. Over that time, Savage started nine games, completing 57.5 percent of his passes for 6.3 yards per attempt, five touchdowns and six interceptions for a passer rating of 72.5.
Since his time with Houston, Savage has jumped from the Saints to the 49ers to the Bengals, but has yet to make another regular season appearance.
Savage will likely step in as the Lions’ veteran option for backup quarterback, now that it appears Detroit may not re-sign Matt Cassel. Savage played for four years under Texans head coach Bill O’Brien—who comes from the Patriots tree. There’s a chance the Lions will use that knowledge of Patriots concepts to help mentor Matthew Stafford.
Of course, Savage’s spot on the roster is far from certain at this point. He’ll have to contend with Connor Cook, who the Lions signed to a futures contract back in January. Additionally, drafting a quarterback remains a very real possibility for Detroit this year.