Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell didn't rule out looking for outside help Tuesday to replace injured left tackle Taylor Decker. On Thursday, the franchise made a move to bring more competition to Decker's position.
The Lions signed veteran tackle Tony Hills, who has spent the past two seasons in New Orleans. The 6-foot-5, 304-pound Hills has bounced around the NFL since entering the league as a fourth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2008. After three seasons in Pittsburgh, he's bounced around the league, playing for Denver, Indianapolis, Dallas and New Orleans. He's also been on the practice squad or part of offseason camps with Buffalo, Oakland, Miami, Carolina and Baltimore.
He's played in 33 games with one career start. This will be his 11th team, but his first time in the NFC North.
Hills had his most action over the past two seasons in New Orleans, where he played in 19 games -- starting none. His lone start came in 2012 in Indianapolis, when he appeared in six games.
Hills will join a competition with Cornelius Lucas, Joe Dahl and Corey Robinson to replace Decker, who had shoulder surgery Monday and is out indefinitely. Detroit also brought in Cyrus Kouandjio for a visit this week.
To make room for Hills, the Lions waived guard Connor Bozick. Hills is the third player the Lions signed Thursday, joining defensive tackles Ego Ferguson and Bruce Gaston.