Saturday the Lions addressed their need for a tight end that can actually block by signing former Arizona Cardinals TE Darren Fells.
According to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Lions signed the 30 year old Fells to a one-year, $1.5 million dollar deal. Originally an undrafted free agent out of UC Irvine, Fells finished the 2016 season with 14 receptions for 154 yards and one touchdown over 14 games.
ANALYSIS
Fells obviously won’t give the Lions much when it comes to reception yardage, but his abilities as both a pass and run blocker will certainly be an asset. Despite his release, the Lions definitely missed Brandon Pettigrew‘s blocking abilities especially when they had to call upon Eric Ebron to take on the responsibility. In essence with Taylor Decker and Ricky Wagner on the line and Fells now lining up on offense Matthew Stafford should have much more protection in that pocket.
