Lions retain quartet of players with new deals
While NFL teams dove into free agency looking for new additions to the roster, the Detroit Lions focused on retaining pieces from last year's roster.
Officially, the Lions announced four signings on Monday in linebacker Alex Anzalone, safety Jake Elliott, linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton and safety C.J. Moore.
However, the club also reportedly came to terms on three-year deal with safety Tracy Walker for US$25 million, with $17 million guaranteed. Backup quarterback Tom Boyle, who went 0-3 as a starter last season, will also reportedly return on a one-year deal for $2 million.
The 27-year-old Anzalone followed head coach Dan Campbell from New Orleans to Detroit and started 14 games before his season was ended by a shoulder injury.
A former third-round pick, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound Anzalone was hoping for a chance to return to the Lions to try and help turn the franchise around.
“I talked to Dan at the end of the season and told him that I wanted to come back,” said Anzalone, who will reportedly get $4 million on a one-year deal. “If the feeling was mutual, I think it would be a good fit for me.
“It's definitely a place you can see the culture changes. It's a place where I, personally, can leave a legacy when we turn this thing around and start competing in games that matter, playoff runs and things like that.”
TIGERS ADD TRIO
The Detroit Tigers announced the signing of a trio of right-handed pitchers on Monday to minor-league deals in Drew Hutchison, Ramon Rosso and Miguel Diaz.
The 31-year-old Hutchison appeared in nine games for the Tigers last season and posted a 2.11 earned-run average in 21 1/3 innings while also making 19 starts with Triple-a Toledo.
The 27-year-old Diaz pitched 42 innings in 2021 for San Diego and posted a 3.64 earned-run average with 46 strikeouts. He was outrighted at the end of the season and chose free agency.
The 25-year-old Rosso pitched 17 2/3 innings of relief for the Philadelphia between 2020 and 2021. He was also outrighted at the end of the season and chose free agency.
All three were invited to spring training as was outfielder and Windsor native Jacob Robson, who made his Major League debut with the club last season.
PISTONS' ANNOUNCER SIDELINED
Legendary Detroit Pistons announcer George Blaha will miss the remainder of the season due to heart bypass procedure scheduled for Tuesday.
The 76-year-old Blaha, who is in his 46th season calling games, is expected back for the 2022-23 season.
“I'm grateful that they caught my issue early and they expect a full recovery,” Blaha said in a statement. “I look forward to getting back to full speed with rest and rehabilitation during the off-season and returning next year for my 47th season calling games for the Pistons.”