Detroit Lions re-sign linebacker Nick Bellore
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions have decided to keep another of their own free agents, signing linebacker Nick Bellore to a new contract.
Aside from adding a couple linebackers, the biggest news the Detroit Lions have made has been in re-signing some of their own players. After new deals for Kerry Hyder, Don Muhlbach, Tavon Wilson and Nevin Lawson, the Lions have now re-signed linebacker Nick Bellore.
Bellore came to the Lions last offseason on a cheap one-year deal but that stay has now been extended. Contract terms were not immediately available.
The team announced the news via press release this morning.
"The Detroit Lions announced today that they have re-signed LB Nick Bellore. Contract terms were not disclosed.Bellore, who joined the Lions in 2017 as a free agent, returns to Detroit after appearing in 13 games (two starts) last season. He finished the season with six tackles (five solo) and six special teams tackles. He also recorded his first-career receiving touchdown on a one-yard pass at Baltimore (12/3).Prior to Detroit, Bellore spent four seasons with the New York Jets (2011-14) and two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2015-16). In 107 career games (12 starts), he has totaled 87 total tackles (63 solo), one sack, one interception, five pass defenses, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and 86 special teams tackles."
Listed officially on the roster as a linebacker, Bellore did much more than appear in spot duty on defense. He was a solid special teams contributor and occasionally used as a fullback and, as the press release notes, even caught a touchdown pass last season.
It is unlikely Bellore will be in for a bigger role than he saw last season. With new linebackers Devon Kennard and Christian Jones being added in free agency and Jarrad Davis and Jalen Reeves-Maybin drafted last season, Bellore will only be counted on to add some depth and to play special teams.
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Bellore’s signing takes linebacker off the team need list. At this point the Lions have just the defensive line to give major attention to on the defensive side of the ball.