Michael Niese, an offensive lineman, has formally been re-signed by the Detroit Lions.
According to reports, the team tendered Niese, an exclusive-rights free agent, last month. However, the agreement was completed and formally announced on Tuesday as players reported for summer training.
Last season, the 27-year-old played in every game for the Lions, recording 35 offensive and 96 special teams snaps. After playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Denver Broncos, he has been with the Lions for the past two years. In 2021, Niese, a center from Temple, was passed over by Dayton and was not selected.
Niese provides depth at guard and center for training camp and the offseason program. It was simple to get him back because he is familiar with the coaching staff and his teammates offensive lineman. However, this week’s NFL draft does not alter the team’s need for further depth on the interior offensive line.
Kevin Zeitler left the Lions in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans. Their main in-house guard alternatives are Christian Mahogany and Graham Glasgow, with Kayode Awosika, Niese, and possibly Giovanni Manu also in the running to see if anyone stands out.
Regarding the guard issue, Lions general manager Brad Holmes stated earlier this month, “We still need to make sure that he has competition, and it’s part of — we bring Yode (Awosika) back and we’ll still be looking at possibly another veteran to add, and you still have the draft.”
“You just never know when we’re going to be able to get one of those guys, and I’m not saying it’s always going to be in the sixth round where we got Mahogany.”
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