Detroit Lions Sign Offensive Lineman Brian Mihalik
On Thursday, the Detroit Lions announced the addition of offensive and defensive lineman Brian Mihalik to the roster, their third signing this week.
The Detroit Lions signed two-way lineman Brian Mihalik on Thursday, the team announced. Mihalik is the third player signed by the Lions this week, after they signed tight end Clay Harbor and defensive end/outside linebacker Armonty Bryant on Tuesday.
From Earlier This Week: Lions Sign TE Clay Harbor, Release Orson Charles
Mihalik was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Lions’ next opponent, in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft, 237th overall, after playing for Boston College as a defensive end. He was placed on the Eagles’ practice squad after the 2015 preseason and was cut soon after. He remained unsigned through the 2015 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to a futures contract in January and attempted to convert him to offensive tackle to due to his 6’9″, 288-pound frame. The Steelers waived Mihalik from injured reserve in the middle of August after he suffered an MCL injury against the Lions.
From Earlier This Week: Lions Sign Troubled DE/LB Bryant, Gilberry To IR
The Lions are likely familiar with Mihalik due to their join practices with Pittsburgh ahead of their preseason matchup. Mihalik also worked out with Detroit earlier this week before signing.
Mihalik grades out positively in nearly every athletic measurable. He is long and strong with decent speed and above-average quickness. However, he was never very productive at Boston College and has never played a down in a regular-season NFL game as either a defensive end or offensive tackle. Mihalik had 85 tackles, including 16 for loss in his four years at Boston College, along with 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a recovered fumble and an interception.
New #Lions OT Brian Mihalik graded nearly elite as a DE for #RAS. Probably passes that threshold for OT, will run numbers later. pic.twitter.com/HVzO3GedzK
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) October 6, 2016
The Lions did not need to make any corresponding move on Thursday in order to sign Mihalik. The team has a roster exemption on new signing Armonty Bryant until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, according to team senior writer Tim Twentyman, so the team will not need to release anyone from the 53-man roster until then. It seems likely that Mihalik will be inactive for this week’s game with Philadelphia.
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The Lions will host Philadelphia on Sunday at 1:00 on FOX.