For the first two weeks of the season, three of the Lions’ five defensive ends (Alex Barrett, Jeremiah Valoaga and Anthony Zettel) were in their first or second season in the NFL. The Detroit Lions decided earlier in the week their defensive line needed a more veteran presence. So they went out and signed George Johnson.
The six-year veteran reportedly signed with the team after they asked him to lose some weight during a tryout a few weeks prior. Apparently, Johnson cut that weight and now finds himself as part of the Lions’ defensive line rotation.