ALLEN PARK: According to Tuesday’s transaction wire, the Detroit Lions are hosting three free-agent defenders for tryouts, including the CFL’s reigning top defensive player.
They tested defensive end Mathieu Betts, as well as cornerbacks Thomas Graham Jr. and Jace Whittaker. Finding consistent defensive line and secondary performance has been one of this team’s major difficulties this season, so that bears watching. This season, the Lions’ defensive line has been led by Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. Hutchinson has been a one-man show when it comes to applying pressure, and McNeill is still on injured reserve with a knee ailment. Bruce Irvin, 36, has been a bright spot in his few appearances. However, an ankle issue has already cost him a trip, making steady productivity difficult. Josh Paschal has improved significantly down the stretch, and his inside-outside versatility might be useful as the Lions strive to find the proper combinations.
Betts, the reigning most outstanding defensive player in the CFL, showcased his talent for the BC Lions over the past two seasons. During the previous season, he managed to secure 18 sacks and force four fumbles across 18 games, marking a significant improvement from his breakout season in 2022, where he recorded seven sacks for the Lions.
His journey into professional football started with a feature at the 2019 East-West Shrine college football event. Initially signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears, Betts nearly made it through the final round of cuts before opting to join the CFL.
Meanwhile, Graham, a sixth-round pick from Oregon by the Bears in 2021, began his career in Chicago, spending two seasons there before briefly moving to the Cleveland Browns during parts of the last season. He has played in a total of 11 games, starting one, with his most recent appearance for the Browns dating back to 2022.
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