Chris Board, a linebacker who spent one season with the Detroit Lions, is signing with the New York Giants.
NFL Network reports Board, 29, has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $6 million. Board spent the 2022 season with the Lions, appearing in every game and carving out meaty role on special teams. He played 359 snaps on special teams that year, with another 160 at linebacker for the defense.
The linebacker is someone who has earned a stellar reputation on special teams, while getting the occasional run with the defense. Board has played every game for three straight seasons from Detroit to New England and Baltimore. He’s missed only one game since entering the league in 2018.
He’s logged 2,510 snaps on special teams, with no fewer than 293 reps in that department since starting his professional career.
The Lions have solidified their linebacker rotation, re-signing Derrick Barnes to a new three-year deal, retaining Anthony Pittman and Ezekiel Turner, too. With Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell at the top of the room already, things are getting crowded at linebacker.
There is still room for a depth option or another body for special teams. Pittman and Turner are great additions for that phase. But with Ben Niemann hitting free agency without a contract, the Lions could be interested in another player, just not at the top of the board.
