**Lions Sign Veteran Linebacker Ben Niemann: Report**
The Detroit Lions have signed veteran linebacker Ben Niemann, according to The Detroit News’ Justin Rogers. The decision follows the completion of the Lions’ offseason workouts, highlighting the team’s need for additional linebacker depth.
Rogers reported, “The Detroit Lions are bolstering their linebacking and special teams depth ahead of next month’s training camp, signing veteran Ben Niemann.” In conjunction with this move, the Lions waived undrafted free-agent linebacker Steele Chambers.
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Niemann brings six years of NFL experience, having played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2018 to 2021, including a Super Bowl win in 2019. During his tenure with the Chiefs, he started 12 games and played a career-high 557 defensive snaps in 2021. Niemann has since played for the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos, starting a career-high nine games with the Cardinals in 2022.
The Lions initially added undrafted free agents Chambers and DaRon Gilbert to bolster their linebacker roster. By signing Niemann, they replaced an undrafted rookie with a seasoned veteran. Niemann, who began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2018, has consistently contributed on both defense and special teams.
In his best statistical season with the Cardinals in 2022, Niemann appeared in 17 games, starting nine. He recorded 70 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss, one pass defense, and one fumble recovery, playing 481 defensive snaps. Niemann has also been a reliable special teams player, averaging around 476 defensive snaps and 246 special teams snaps per season from 2019 to 2022.
Last year, however, Niemann’s role diminished with the Broncos, where he played only 134 special teams snaps and did not appear on defense, recording just two combined tackles.
Heading into the NFL training camp, the Lions have retained their top five linebackers from the 2023 roster, which includes likely starters Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes, and 2023 first-round pick Jack Campbell, who is expected to play a larger role. Malcolm Rodriguez and Jalen Reeves-Maybin will also provide depth.
Given the Lions’ strong linebacker core, Niemann may have limited opportunities for playing time in 2024. However, he will provide essential depth during training camp and the preseason, a period often marked by injuries. Additionally, Niemann could mentor younger players like Gilbert or Campbell.
There is also the potential for Niemann to replace veteran linebacker Anthony Pittman, who signed with the Washington Commanders after playing over 350 special teams snaps for the Lions from 2021 to 2023.
