Detroit Lions to bring in DE Jabaal Sheard for visit

The Detroit Lions pass rush has been MIA for the past three years or so. Just yesterday, we lamented how Detroit’s ability to pressure the quarterback appears to be getting even worse.

The good news is that the Lions appear to know this and could be making a move to help out a struggling unit. The bad news is that they’re going straight back to the Patriots well to fix their problems.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions are bringing in veteran defensive end Jabaal Sheard for a visit. Sheard, 31, has been waiting for “the right opportunity” according to Schefter, and it appears a reunion with Lions head coach Matt Patricia may be what he’s looking for.

Sheard has tallied at least 4.5 sacks in all but one season over his nine-year career. For the past three seasons, he had played for the Indianapolis Colts, starting in 44 of 48 possible games. Prior to that, he spent two years in New England, where he won a Super Bowl. In his best year—2015 with the Patriots—he earned an 89.8 PFF grade and tallied 64 pressures.

Sheard could potentially fill the jack linebacker role in Detroit’s defense, which has been occupied by Christian Jones since the Lions cut Devon Kennard this offseason.

Of course, the Lions have to sign him first. We’ll see if the Lions end up making the move later in the week.