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Detroit Lions and Former MSU Spartan Domata Peko working on a deal

By Bob Heyrman

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Nose tackle Domata Peko #94 of the Denver Broncos reacts after making a defensive stop against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Nose tackle Domata Peko #94 of the Denver Broncos reacts after making a defensive stop against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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The former force inside with the Cincinnati Bengals, Michigan State Spartan alumn, Domata Peko is working out, trying to land a final roster spot with the Detroit Lions.

Well known for the long flow trailing out of the back of his helmet.  I remember Domata Peko playing with the Bengals and being an absolute disrupting force inside on the defensive line.  He plays with an abundance of energy.  Peko at 34-years old is nothing more than a rotational player, but someone who could provide stability for the Detroit Lions. He was originally a fourth-round pick in 2006 by the Bengals out of MSU.

If the Lions indeed sign Peko, it’s not to take over for A’shawn Robinson or anything.  With Damon Harrison holding out, Peko is a viable option to be a fourth interior tackle the Detroit Lions could use on a stern pitch count.

Peko, along with Romeo Okwara, will provide depth and a string of fresh bodies for the Detroit Lions.  I wouldn’t be too confident with Peko at this point in his career being anything more than a fourth tackle, so it’s imperative that the team gets Damon Harrison back in Allen Park as soon as possible.

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At this point, there is no guarantee Peko makes the final roster, but Matt Patricia has a knack for getting the most out of veteran players while their fuel tank is on empty.  I understand Bill Belichick had a lot to do with that, but I was impressed with the success of the Lions defense last season especially after the franchise landed Harrison.

At the moment the 90-man roster sits at 89 after the Detroit Lions cut tight end Michael Roberts earlier in the week after he failed his physical with the New England Patriots.  He signed with the Green Bay Packers right after the Lions cut him only to be cut once again nearly immediately after failing another physical.

The Lions will have to trim their roster drastically down before the regular season starts so even if Peko signs, there is no guarantee the team keeps him around but with the list of current interior linemen on the roster, I could see him sticking.

Next. Matthew Stafford played with a broken back. dark

Peko played and started all 16 regular season games last season as a member of the Denver Broncos.  He made 31 tackles, recorded 0.5 sacks, and defended a couple of passes.  It was a far cry from the damage he used to cause with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he still has the ability to push the pile in a limited role.  He will also have some value being a veteran leader to some of the younger players on this Detroit Lions defensive line.

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