The Lions have agreed to sign linebacker Paul Worrilow to a one-year deal, reports Dave Birket of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter links).
Worrilow, 26, acted as a starter for the Falcons for a three-year run from 2013-15, but last year lost his starting job to rookie Deion Jones. The former undrafted free agent still appeared in 12 games, but made only one start, racking up 18 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Despite not playing much of a role on defense, Worrilow was a stalwart on special teams, where he managed to play on more than half Atlanta’s snaps.
Lions general manager Bob Quinn has shown a willingness to pay for special teams play during his year in the Motor City, and it’s possible that’s the role Worrilow will play in Detroit. But he could also earn an opportunity on defense, where the Lions’ only two established linebackers are Tahir Whitehead and DeAndre Levy, the latter of whom can’t seem to stay healthy. Worrilow is an early-down run thumper, but that position has its value.
Nice solid depth move!