The Detroit Lions are adding another piece to their offensive line with the signing of veteran Germain Ifedi. This move comes hot on the heels of his release from the Atlanta Falcons just a week ago, a decision to save them nearly a million dollars in cap space.

Veteran OL Germain Ifedi is signing with the #Lions, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2023

Ifedi is returning to the NFC North, where he spent two seasons with the Chicago Bears after being drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Seahawks out of Texas A&M. In joining the Lions, Ifedi brings a wealth of experience to an already veteran-driven offensive line.

Adding Experience to the Lineup

Ifedi’s addition to the Lions roster is seen as a strategic move to boost the offensive line’s depth. Over his seven-year NFL career, he has been a consistent force, making 83 starts as both a guard and right tackle. While he didn’t start during his stint with the Falcons, he appeared in all 17 games.

Notably, Ifedi comes to Detroit at a time when former Lions starter Graham Glasgow returned on a one-year deal. This underlines the team’s commitment to maintain the offensive line as their strength and identity.

Implications for the Upcoming Season

For the foreseeable future, Ifedi is most likely to serve in a backup role behind Penei Sewell who is locked in at the right tackle position. With the Lions’ starting O-line members like Sewell, Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, and Jonah Jackson returning, Ifedi could provide backup support at both tackle and guard positions.

To sum up, Germain Ifedi’s signing by the Detroit Lions not only injects valuable depth and experience into their offensive line. He also opens up interesting strategic possibilities Ben Johnson to consider. Fans will certainly be watching closely to see how his role unfolds in the Lions’ camp.

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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com