The Detroit Lions tendered a contract to exclusive rights free agent Anthony Pittman on Wednesday, ensuring one of their best special teams players will be on the roster in 2023.
Pittman played in all 17 games for the Lions last season, made five tackles and finished second on the team in special teams snaps.
The Lions could lose several of their top special teams players to free agency when the 2023 league year opens next week. Linebackers Josh Woods and Chris Board, safety C.J. Moore and running back Justin Jackson will be unrestricted free agents if they do not reach agreement on new contracts by March 15.
Woods led the Lions (and tied for seventh in the NFL) with 14 special teams tackles last season, and should be one of the most coveted coverage specialists on the market.
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Board, who led the Lions in special teams snaps and finished second with 10 special teams tackles, is expected to test the market as an unrestricted free agent after he played less than expected on defense last season. Moore finished fourth in special teams tackles on the Lions last season, while Jackson handled kick return duties.
Exclusive rights free agents sign non-guaranteed, minimum salary deals and cannot negotiate with other teams once tendered.
The Lions have five other exclusive rights free agents: Bobby Price, Scott Daly, Brock Wright, Benito Jones and Tommy Kraemer.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.