“Detroit Lions Rope In Veteran Defensive Lineman Christian Covington”

A Seasoned Pro Joins the Pride

The Detroit Lions have confirmed the signing of experienced defensive lineman Christian Covington, a seasoned veteran in the NFL. Covington’s brings nine years of professional experience to Detroit, a much-needed infusion of veteran wisdom for the youthful defensive front preparing for the upcoming season.

Aged 29, Covington has seen action in 102 games, with 32 starts across four teams in his eight-season career. His most recent stint was with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he spent two years.

Despite a strong performance throughout 2021, Covington’s season was cut short by a torn pectoral, leading to his placement on injured reserve from mid-November onwards.

Covington’s Journey through the NFL

Initially entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick from Rice in 2015, Covington cut his teeth with the Houston Texans, where he spent the initial four seasons of his career. Subsequent stops at Dallas and Cincinnati preceded his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Over the course of his eight-year career, Covington has made appearances in 102 games, including 32 starts. His most impressive season came in 2020 with the Bengals, where he started 14 games, logging 39 tackles.

Throughout his career, the 6-foot-2, 289-pound defensive dynamo has accumulated 196 tackles and 9.5 sacks.

Versatility in the Trenches

Most of Covington’s on-field contributions have come from the interior where his versatility is evident. The 6-foot-2, 305-pound athlete demonstrating adaptability in the trenches and will be expected to take on blockers and open up lines for his DL mates.

The Lions already boast a strong interior lineup, featuring Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs, and Benito Jones. They have further strengthened this with the addition of Brodric Martin, a massive defensive tackle from Western Kentucky, drafted in the third round.

Complementing these defensive stalwarts, Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, and John Cominsky offer inside-outside versatility, while primarily focusing on the edge.

Adding to this depth, the Lions also signed local talent Chris Smith as an undrafted free agent. Smith will compete for a roster spot and contribute to the depth of the Lions’ D-Line.

In sum, the addition of Christian Covington, a seasoned pro, adds valuable experience to the young Detroit Lions. His proven versatility and impressive track record will undoubtedly bolster their defensive line.

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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

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