The Detroit Lions signed veteran defensive tackle Tyson Alualu to their practice squad on December 5. They also reportedly aren’t interested in bringing back former No. 2 overall pick Ndamukong Suh. But on December 11, the Bleacher Report NFL staff floated another veteran defensive tackle possibility 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,” the BR staff wrote. “The team’s other defensive ackles haven’t been very productive.
“Ioannidis is probably the front office’s best option for replacing McNeill on the open market. The seven-year pro has a decent track record of being a well-rounded interior defender.”
In 13 games for the Carolina Panthers last season, Ioannidis posted 37 combined tackles, including 5 tackles for loss. He also had 9 quarterback hits, 1 sack, 1 pass defense and 1 forced fumble.
Naming the Lions as a possible fit for Ioannidis in NFL free agency has been a popular narrative for quite some time. On May 2, Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger predicted the Lions to sign Ioannidis.
That obviously never happened. No other team has signed Ioannidis, though, so he remains available.
The Lions have a hole to fill on their defense at defensive tackle. As the BR staff wrote, Alim McNeill landed on injured reserve ahead of Week 14 because of a knee issue.
Detroit allowed 142 rushing yards in Week 14 without McNeill.
Ioannidis has started 53 games in his NFL career. That’s more experience than any other defensive tackle currently on the Lions roster.
And at 29 years old, Ionnadis offers a much younger option than Alualu, who is 36.
