5 free agents the Lions can sign with their newly opened roster spot, including two former Lions players

On Friday, we got some interesting news when the NFL gave the Detroit Lions an international player exemption for sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein.

What that means is that the Lions get a 91st roster spot, and Hassanein will fill that role. Since the Lions roster currently has 90 players, they just have a free open spot to use because of this. Here are five free agents the Lions could sign with that spot. 

Edge Trevis Gipson

Personally, I expect them to make this move. The Lions just had Gipson in for a tryout at rookie mini-camp, and I think the Lions are going to be interested to see if there's any gas left in the tank after he suffered some injuries the last two seasons. At one point, Gipson looked like the real deal after a seven-sack season. That was just a few seasons ago. He'll also be the cheapest option. 

Edge Za'Darius Smith

There's been some flirting back and forth going on here. We know that both sides have maintained contact, and we know that Lions GM Brad Holmes has said that it's in the hands of Smith's agent at this time. We also know that Smith's girlfriend, Detroit area rapper Kash Doll, would love for Smith to be a Lion. Let's see if both sides can come together and get this thing done. 

S RaySean Jenkins

I'm not totally sold on the Lions' need for a safety right now, but if they wanted to bring in another guy who can compete for a spot, the veteran Jenkins would be a solid get. He played the best year of his career under Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townend in Jacksonville. 

TE Tyler Davis

The Lions spent a lot of the pre-draft process looking at tight ends, but never drafted one. They did walk out with Indiana's Zach Horton as an undrafted free agent, but here's another option that can bring to the table what they spent a lot of time looking for in tight ends. He can run block and run block well. Plus, he's a former Packer, and the NFC North seems to love signing each other's players. 

DT Kyle Peko

Last year, the Lions showed that they liked Peko a lot during camp. It was expected that he would make the 53-man roster. He ultimately did, sort of. Peko was a practice-squad guy who got elevated and then signed to the 53. Then he got hurt and missed the rest of the season. He's spent so much time with Lions players this offseason that it feels like it's a real possibility he runs it back with Detroit this summer.