NFC North Rivals – 5 Questions with SideLion Report
By Mike Praser
What other free agent moves made you happy/upset?
Nov 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) catches a 43 yard pass during overtime with Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham (24) and strong safety James Ihedigbo (32) defending at Soldier Field. Chicago won 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
"Last night, the Lions signed former Ravens safety James Ihedigbo to start next to Glover Quin next season. I like this signing because it brings a solid starter to the backend of the defense to replace recently departed Louis Delmas for a year or two. I was targeting Ihedigbo since free agency began because of his experience and familiarity to our coaching staff (new Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was Baltimore’s secondary coach last year). I call him a stopgap, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact for this defense. Another signing that many fans disagree with but I liked was re-signing tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He is a solid starter, good blocker and vastly improved his pass catching last season from a terrible 2012 campaign. He is a player Matthew Stafford is comfortable with, and bringing him back prevents the creation of a big hole at starting tight end."