Detroit Lions NFL Trade Rumors: Tim Lelito Visits Lions
The Detroit Lions have already signed Rick Wagner and T.J. Lang to bolster their offensive line, but they may be considering adding one more this offseason.
According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the Lions have brought in Michigan native Tim Lelito for a free agent visit. Well, since the New Orleans Saints signed former Lions guard Larry Warford last week, the Lions might as well go after one of the Saints' free agents at that position.
Lelito was born in Rochester and he played his college ball at Grand Valley State in Michigan. He wasn't selected in the 2013 National Football League (NFL) draft, but the Saints decided to give him a chance and signed him. In four seasons with the Saints, Lelito has only missed a single game, so he's definitely durable.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
He started in 24 of the 63 games that he played and he is versatile enough to play in different positions around the interior of the offensive line. During his time with the Saints, Lelito has played right guard, left guard, right tackle, center and tight end. He's basically a Swiss Army knife who can plug the holes on the depth chart.
"The Lions may like that versatility, knowing that he can cover for all sorts of injuries. He may never be a full-time starter who will lock down one position, but he could learn numerous positions and make it so that they have an experienced backup waiting in the wings, no matter who goes down during the year," Jon Schlosser of FanRag Sports said in his report.
If Lelito signs with the Lions, he will have to play behind fellow Michigan native T.J. Lang and perhaps Graham Glasgow. Many observers have also noted that Laken Tomlinson is probably the odd man out if Lelito joins.
Will he end up suiting up for his hometown team this season?
