The Lions have signed former Falcons tackle Lamar Holmes to a contract, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Atlanta cut Holmes from its roster with an injury settlement back in December, so he had been eligible to sign with a new team before 2016 free agency begins next month.
Holmes, 26, started 19 games at left and right tackle for the Falcons during his time with the team, including 15 games in 2013. A third-round pick in 2012, Holmes has been slowed by injuries since entering the NFL. He would have spent the entire 2015 campaign on Atlanta’s PUP list had the team not waived him in December.
If the Falcons had kept Holmes on their roster, his contract would have tolled, meaning his rookie deal would have extended for another year, keeping him under contract through the 2016 season. Instead, Atlanta opted to cut him, allowing him to reach the open market. Holmes took advantage of that opportunity by working out for a handful of teams over the last couple months, including the Cowboys, Dolphins, and Jets.
In Detroit, Holmes is probably unlikely to claim a starting job for the 2016 season, but given the problems the Lions have had getting steady production from some spots on their line, including right tackle, it’s not out of the question. At the very least, Holmes should have every opportunity to compete for a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. As long as he has recovered from the foot injury that sidelined him for all of 2015, he’s a decent bet to make the cut.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Yeah, it’s definitely not out of the question that he could compete for time at right tackle. It’s certainly been awhile since he’s been a full-time starter, but it’s not like the other guys on Detroit’s roster (Michael Ola, Corey Robinson) are anything special, either.