ALLEN PARK — Steele Chambers, an undrafted free agent waived by the Detroit Lions earlier this week, quickly found a new home with the New England Patriots.
Detroit signed veteran linebacker Ben Niemann to take Chambers’ spot. The Patriots claimed Chambers, the former Ohio State standout, via waivers, per Tuesday’s transaction wire. Chambers landed with the Lions after the draft, then nearly made it to the end of the spring program before breaking for summer.
The Lions are loaded at linebacker, though, and needed more depth for special teams, an area where Niemann seems like an obvious upgrade over Chambers.
Niemann has played 1,380 snaps across the last six years. The 28-year-old out of Iowa won a Super Bowl title while with the Chiefs, appearing in 11 playoff games and two Super Bowls. He’s played more than 400 defensive snaps and 240-plus special teams reps in three of the last five seasons, so there is plenty of NFL-ready experience as a depth piece or key special teams contributor.
The linebacker spent last year with the Denver Broncos, starting on the practice squad before appearing in seven games, with all 134 reps on special teams. Detroit’s linebacker room is loaded with returning pieces. However, Anthony Pittman’s departure as a vital special teamer creates a potential hole for someone like Niemann while adding a veteran voice to that young unit.
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