Lions sign LB Nece, claim RB Thomas
Posted: News | NFL.com Staff
The Lions announced that they have signed LB Ryan Nece and claimed RB Marcus Thomas off waivers on Sunday. The team also released LB Anthony Cannon and FB/TE Sean McHugh.
Nece (6-3, 224) signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2002 and spent the first six years of his career in Tampa Bay. Nece, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott, made 35 career starts for the Buccaneers. Nece played for Lions defensive coordinator Joe Barry when he was the Buccaneers’ linebackers coach (2001-06).
Thomas was a fifth-round selection of the Chargers in the 2008 NFL Draft. He is a big, powerful running back who finished his college career as Texas-El Paso’s fifth all-time leading rusher (2.615 yards) and third leading scorer (26 rushing touchdowns). He ranked fourth in 100-yard games (11) and seventh in all-purpose yards (3,660). As a senior, Thomas rushed for 1,166 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging over 5 yards per carry (5.1).
