Lions Not Among Teams Pursuing Terrance Knighton
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - With star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh reportedly headed to the Miami Dolphins, the Detroit Lions will likely be serious contenders for at least a few of the remaining free agents at that position.
Names that have been floated as possible replacements include Dan Williams of the Arizona Cardinals, Corey Peters of the Atlanta Falcons, Stephen Paea of the Chicago Bears, Terrance Knighton of the Denver Broncos and Vince Wilfork of the New England Patriots. The highest-ranked by Pro Football Focus are Paea (11th) and Knighton (12th).
Nick Fairley, whose fifth-year option the Lions declined to pick up before the 2014 season, is another possibility. He missed half of last season with a knee injury but had played well before that happened.
One option the Lions are not currently pursuing is Knighton, according to a source. Knighton has garnered interest from a number of teams – at least four – but the Lions do not see him as a fit for what they do, the source said.
Knighton, nicknamed "Pot Roast" for his large frame, has proved extremely durable in his career. In five of his six NFL seasons, he has played in all 16 games. In 2014 he logged 30 tackles and two sacks.
Free agents can sign with teams as early as 4 p.m. Tuesday, when 2014 player contracts expire and the 2015 league year officially begins.