Lions visit with linebacker Kyzir White may not be what it seems

The Detroit Lions had a big visit on Wednesday when one of the best remaining free agents, linebacker Kyzir White, was in the building, talking with the team.

This prompted some Lions fans to wonder about the Lions' linebacker situation. Is Alex Anzalone going to hold in? Is there an injury to someone? What is going on? I don't think it's any of that because I don't think the Lions look at Qhite as a potential linebacker. I think they may see him as a safety and their replacement for Ifeatu Melifonwu. 

White did start all 17 games for the Cardinals at middle linebacker last year, and I'm sure the Lions would love to flex him in there if need be, but White has a history at the spur position. That's a hybrid of linebacker and safety. He also played mostly safety early in his career with the Chargers, and then the Eagles had him at safety when he was there in 2022. 

White has the ability to be solid in coverage, make tackles, and he can also get pressure on the quarterback as a pass rusher. Lions head coach Dan Campbell talked about fabricating a pass rush on Tuesday, well, here's how you do it. 

If you go back to 2023, that's exactly what the Lions did with Melifonwu. They needed to fabricate a pass rusher, and they started doing a lot of safety blitzes and bringing the house. Perhaps they see White as that guy. 

No deal has been done at this time, and White may very well be on his way to other teams for visits, but if they do bring him in, don't be shocked if they utilize his versatility.