The Detroit Lions just needed linebackers this offseason. Not only to replace free agents like Tahir Whitehead and Paul Worrilow, but because new head coach Matt Patricia is expected to install a new, more dynamic defensive scheme that will require the roster to adjust to a 3-4 formation. That means potentially having as many as four linebackers on the field at the same time.
So the Lions went about the task of finding linebackers to add to their roster via free agency. And they did just that by signing veterans like Jonathan Freeny, Trevor Bates, Christian Jones and re-signing Nick Bellore.