Lions are urged to bring in a veteran defensive tackle to replace Alim McNeill
On December 5, the Detroit Lions signed veteran defensive tackle Tyson Alualu to their practice squad.
They are also reportedly uninterested in re-signing former No. 2 overall pick Ndamukong Suh. On December 11, however, the Bleacher Report NFL crew floated another experienced defensive lineman option for the Lions: 29-year-old Matt Ioannidis.
“Alim McNeill hitting injured reserve is a big blow to the Lions’ defense, as he was keeping the position group afloat,” according to the BR staff. “The team’s other defensive tackles haven’t been particularly effective.
“Ioannidis is probably the front office’s best open-market option to replace McNeill.” The seven-year veteran has a solid track record as a well-rounded interior defender.”
Ioannidis had 37 combined tackles, including 5 for loss, in 13 games for the Carolina Panthers last season. In addition, he recorded nine quarterback hits, one sack, one pass defense, and one forced fumble.
How Matt Ioannidis Could Fit With the Lions
For quite some time, the Lions have been mentioned as a viable match for Ioannidis in NFL free agency. On May 2, Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus anticipated that the Lions would sign Ioannidis.
That obviously did not occur. However, no other team has signed Ioannidis, therefore he is still available.
The Lions’ defense has a position to fill at defensive tackle. Alim McNeill was placed on injured reserve ahead of Week 14 due to a knee injury, according to the BR staff.
Without McNeill, Detroit allowed 142 running yards in Week 14.
In his NFL career, Ioannidis has started 53 games. That is more experience than any other defensive tackle on the Lions’ current roster.
Ionnadis, at 29 years old, is a much younger choice than Alualu, who is 36.
Ioannidis began his career as a fifth-round choice in the 2016 NFL Draft with the Washington organization. He was in Washington for six seasons.
He had a career-high 8.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 64 total tackles in 2019. In 2018, he also had 7.5 sacks.
Ioannidis has 25.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, 68 quarterback hits, 2 pass defenses, and 3 forced fumbles in 86 career NFL games.
Will the Lions Sign Another Veteran DT?
There are two clear concerns about the Lions considering signing Ioannidis.
After acquiring Alualu, are the Lions looking for more veteran depth at defensive tackle? And does the signing of Alualu imply that the Lions had previously considered Ioannidis and decided against him?
When asked if the Lions considered bringing back Suh, Lions head coach Dan Campbell may have answered the second question.
“Yeah, listen, Brad’s [Holmes] looked at all of it,” Campbell told the press. “We haven’t left anyone out.
“We glanced at each other. We’ve made the decision we believe is best for us at this time.”
If Campbell is correct, then suggests the Lions chose Alualu over Ioannidis.
If a spot on the Detroit practice squad becomes available, it will be interesting to see if Ioannidis can compete. However, Alualu and another 36-year-old defensive tackle, Bruce Irvin, have already signed with the Lions.
Despite the fact that Ioannidis is much younger than Irvin and Alualu, the Lions may have to be desperate to recruit another veteran defensive lineman to their practice squad.
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