The Detroit Lions continue to fortify their linebacker room before the start of free agency. Just hours after reports broke that the Lions are re-signing linebacker Derrick Barnes to a three-year extension, ESPN is reporting that Detroit has agreed to bring back Anthony Pittman on a one-year deal. No further terms have been revealed at the moment.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press says the deal isn’t quite done yet, but it’s “just a matter of time.” Pittman was a restricted free agent, but this deal is not expected to be an RFA tender.
It’s no surprise to see Pittman return to the Lions. A Detroit native, Pittman started his career with the Lions back in 2019. He proceeded to stay with Detroit until signing with the Washington Commanders during last year’s free agency, hoping to find a chance to crack their defensive lineup. Unfortunately for Pittman, he was waived at cutdowns from the Commanders. He eventually signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad, but he was able to return to the Lions when Detroit poached him this past December.
“It was awesome coming back to Detroit. I love Detroit,” Pittman told Pride of Detroit in January. “I love the team and staff. Now I’m playing against Washington, so it’s kinda unreal, but I’m grateful for how the journey went. It’s crazy.”
Pittman has been a four-phase special teamer for most of his career. He played over 350 special teams snaps for the Lions in each of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons.