Lions agree to a contract with linebacker Reggie Ragland
DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Lions have agreed to a contract with linebacker Reggie Ragland, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press on Friday because the deal had not been announced. Ragland started 32 games over the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Lions also reached a one-year agreement with linebacker Elijah Lee, according to a person with knowledge of the deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.
Ragland was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round in 2016, but a knee injury in training camp cost the former Alabama player that entire season. The Bills traded him to Kansas City in 2017, and Ragland finally made his debut with the Chiefs.
Ragland played 14 games last season for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, making seven starts. He had two sacks.
Detroit has overhauled its defense this offseason, and the linebacking unit is no exception. The Lions previously cut Devon Kennard and added Jamie Collins.
Lee comes to Detroit from the other participant in last season’s Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers. He was drafted by Minnesota in the seventh round out of Kansas State in 2017, and the 49ers signed him off the Vikings’ practice squad.
Lee played in 38 games for the 49ers in three seasons, including six starts. He started one game last season.
