NFL free agency has started, and three former Scarlet Knights have signed deals with new teams. The Detroit Lions, in particular, have become a landing spot for former Scarlet Knights, as two of the three former Knights with new players have decided to sign with the Lions.
Former Rutgers Players, RB Isiah Pacheco and S Christian Izien, Sign With the Detroit Lions
Pacheco joins Detroit, likely as a replacement option for David Montgomery, who left the team in a trade to Houston this offseason. The Lions already have a star rusher in Jahmyr Gibbs, meaning that Pacheco likely won’t get the bulk of the carries. However, he could be used as a reserve running back, depending on how Detroit changes its offense this offseason. Last year, Detroit came in 21st in the league in rush attempts per game. Hopefully, they make some changes and spread the carries around between Gibbs and Pacheco.
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During his time in Tampa Bay, Izien proved himself to be a solid NFL-caliber Safety. Izien appeared in 45 games over three seasons for the Buccaneers, where he made 165 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, five pass break-ups, and three interceptions. The Lions were one of the weaker pass defenses last season, meaning that Izien will have an opportunity to compete for playing time as Detroit hopes to find the best players to fix their weakened secondary.
Both signed one-year deals with the Lions
Former Rutgers DT Sebastian Joseph-Day Signs With the Steelers
The Steelers and former Rutgers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day have reached an agreement, with the seven-year NFL veteran taking his experience up to Pittsburgh to help them shore up their run defense in a very run-heavy division. In his seven years in the NFL, he’s racked up 314 total tackles, 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six pass break-ups, and even an interception, while being part of a Super Bowl-winning Rams team in 2021. During his time in the NFL, Joseph-Day has proven himself to be a solid run stuffer. Now he will be taking part in a defense tasked with stopping Derrick Henry twice a year.
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