Lions Forced to Sign ‘Talented’ DT Following Unexpected Release.
Lions Forced to Sign ‘Talented’ DT Following Unexpected Release.
The Detroit Lions have been severely impacted by a defensive line injury and have lost some depth due to practice squad poaching this week, but an insider thinks they may have a last-minute chance to reclaim some of that depth.
Teair Tart, a defensive tackle with the Tennessee Titans, is anticipated to be cut this week, according to SI.com’s John Maakaron. The 26-year-old had a falling out with the Titans after joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
According to Maakaron, “the talented defensive lineman has reportedly been unhappy about his contract situation.” “The Titans are probably not interested in committing to a long-term contract extension because they haven’t been happy with his recent effort level and attitude.”
The #Titans and DT Teair Tart are splitting up after four seasons, according to @PaulKuharskyNFL.@VRba7yKV4q on Twitter
— December 15, 2023, AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports)
Tart would make sense as a depth addition after the Lions lost defensive lineman Alim McNeill to an injury, according to Maakaron’s writing.
“Motivated” DT Might Advance Detroit in the Playoffs Hurry up
According to Maakaron, the Lions have been rotating players to assist cover for McNeill’s injury. Talented Quinton Bohanna was given the maximum of three practice squad elevations, giving them the chance to sign him to the active roster for the balance of the season. However, they sent him back to the practice squad, giving the Titans the opportunity to sign him.
He continued by saying Tart, who is seeking a new contract and is in the last year of his current one, may make sense for the Lions to acquire.
“The Lions might benefit from a motivated player who aspires to produce at a high level in order to secure their next deal, especially against formidable NFC opponents like the 49ers, Cowboys, and Eagles, all of whom have strong rushing attacks,” Maakaron wrote.
Tart had made 21 total tackles, including 1 sack, in 11 games for the Titans this season, starting nine of them. In 2022, he had a career-best season with 16 starts, 34 tackles, and 1.5 sacks.
Lions hoping to improve defensively
In their 28-13 loss to the Chicago Bears the previous week, the Lions are hoping to improve defensively. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson stated this week that he is “hellbent” on getting better despite making several crucial errors, such as an offside on fourth down and an untimely stunt that let quarterback Justin Fields scramble to the outside and run for an 11-yard touchdown on third and goal.
According to SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit, Hutchinson declared, “We’re going to get back, we’re hellbent on it.” “We’re going to return to winning football; that has been our primary objective since Sunday night, Monday. I believe that everyone in this facility and in the locker room is just eager to resume our previous activities.
Hutchinson continued, saying that the Lions’ problems against the Bears were primarily the result of “stupid” errors, all of which he thinks they can resolve.
Hutchinson stated, “I guess the things that went wrong were just some temporary lapses in judgment. It wasn’t necessarily technique.” “I’m not changing as a football player in any way. It’s just one of those situations where you go on after realizing how foolish it was.
