Depth along its defensive front was one of Detroit’s needs heading into the NFL Draft.
The Lions were able to alleviate the issue in signing ex-Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry to a one-year deal, per ESPN writer Michael Rothstein and NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
Former #Bengals DE @Gilberry92 signed a 1-year deal with the #Lions, per @_SportsTrust. I'm told it's worth up to $1.75M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 4, 2016
Gilberry will serve as the team’s third defensive end, falling behind Ezekiel Ansah and Devin Taylor. Ansah led Detroit in sacks last season with 14.5, while Taylor chimed in with seven.
Gilberry’s $1.25 million contract is broken down into a few components:
- $885,000- base salary
- $500,000- performance incentive
- $340,000- signing bonus
- $25,000- workout bonus
He totaled 17.5 sacks in four season with the Bengals (2012-15). Gilberry appeared in the playoffs all four years, with two resulting in Cincinnati winning the AFC North (2013, 2015).
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
