The Detroit Lions are just rounding things up in free agency before the bulk of their offseason activities begin, getting their restricted free agents to sign their tenders (with defensive lineman Sammie Hill being the last one to sign, on Thursday) and, apparently, trying to claim a second kicker. Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network Tweeted on Thursday that the team tried to claim kicker Kai Forbath:
Ex Cowboys K Kai Forbath, who was awarded to Tampa on waivers Wed, was also claimed by Detroit. TB had higher waiver order
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 19, 2012
This is par the course for the Lions, who like to bring in an extra kicker for the offseason program and the prseason so Jason Hanson, who is 41 years-old, doesn't have to take all of the snaps. Hanson's job is secure - with 24 field goals made in 2011. He also made all 54 of his extra point attempts, though that's a less-impressive stat.
It is worth noting that Forbath is considered a kicker with solid potential, he just missed his rookie season after signing on with the Dallas Cowboys. Out of UCLA, he was considered to be one of the top kickers coming out, so there is a chance that the Lions were looking for Hanson's eventual replacement, given his age. Either way, Forbath is on his way to the Buccaneers.
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