The Detroit Lions have added to their offensive line depth ahead of next week’s joint workouts with the New York Giants.
According to sources on Wednesday, the Lions are signing offensive tackle Jake Burton, who played in the United Football League with the Michigan Panthers this spring.
The signing is for depth, as the Lions lost Netane Muti to a major shoulder injury sustained during practice. Coach Dan Campbell stated that Muti had had a strong spring, but that he would be sidelined for an extended amount of time.
Burton had a 74.6 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus last season with the Panthers. He mostly played left tackle, but he did play guard in one game. He is the Lions’ second offseason signing from the Michigan Panthers, following kicker Jake Bates.
The UCLA product is familiar with the Lions’ offensive line room, having played for the Bruins while offensive line coach Hank Fraley was at the school. He played at UCLA from 2016 to 2019, before moving to Baylor for his last year of college eligibility.
Burton signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants, but he did not make the roster. He also played for the Philadelphia Stars in the United States Football League from 2022 to 2023.
The Lions have two more workouts this week before meeting the Giants for a pair of joint practices. Detroit’s preseason opener is scheduled on August 8.
Jonah Jackson, a former Lions offensive guard and current Los Angeles Ram, suffered a bruised scapula and is expected to miss the whole preseason. It’s unclear whether he’ll be able to return in time for the season opener against the Lions on September 8.
Additionally, the Lions will not be reunited with former kicker Riley Patterson, who was grabbed off waivers by the Washington Commanders.