Allen Park — In preparation for a switch to a new defensive scheme, the Detroit Lions made it a priority to get bigger at linebacker this offseason, signing Devon Kennard, Christian Jones and Jonathan Freeny. Additionally, the team is also experimenting with moving second-year defensive end Alex Barrett off the ball.
The Lions aggressively pursued the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Barrett as an undrafted free agent last season, committing $36,000 in guarantees to the lineman out of San Diego State.
A top-flight run-stuffer in the Mountain West Conference who operated primarily from the interior, Barrett transitioned to an edge rusher as a rookie.