After the Detroit Lions signed linebackers Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch last week, it seemed unlikely that Bobby Carpenter would be re-signed. Earlier in the offseason it looked like Carpenter could compete for one of the starting spots, but with the moves made last week the chances of that happening severely decreased.
Although the starting spots at linebacker do appear to be locked down for the Lions, Carpenter has decided to return to the team after all. Dave Birkett reports that Carpenter and the Lions have agreed to a deal and that Carpenter will officially re-sign on Wednesday.
Getting Carpenter back is an important move for depth at linebacker. He joined the team midway through last season and ended up starting two games. He played very well during the Lions' four-game winning streak, and this year he will be there in case a starter goes down with an injury.
Between Carpenter, Durant, Tulloch, DeAndre Levy, Ashlee Palmer, Doug Hogue and Isaiah Ekejiuba, there is a lot of talent at linebacker. What once was a position of great need is now really a strength for the Lions.