Lions Sign Former Pro-Bowler Dwight Freeney To Roster, Cut Rookie

The Detroit Lions have taken a step to sure up a beat up defensive line by signing DE Dwight Freeney off of waivers according to a report from ESPN'S Michael Rothstein.

Freeney, age 37, spent the last four games of his 16 season career with the Seattle Seahawks before the franchise released him.

Over the course of his career, Freeney's numbers are impressive. The 2000s NFL All-Decade team veteran has amassed 283 career tackles and 125.5 career sacks.

The Lions could use his defensive productivity since the loss of DT Haloti Ngata in the team's fifth game this season. Detroit has allowed 905 rushing yards in six games without Ngata.

The addition comes at a time when Lions fans are questioning DE Ezekiel Ansah's ability to stay healthy.

Though achieving a sack on Thursday's Thanksgiving Day loss against the Minnesota Vikings, Ansah's production clearly was limited by a nagging back injury.

Freeney was not available during the game though hopes to see field action against the Baltimore Ravens according to MLive's Nate Atkins.

To make room for Freeney, defensive lineman, the Lions cut undrafted rookie out of UNLV Jeremiah Valoaga.

The news marks a reunion with Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell, who coached Freeney with the Indiana Colts.