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Detroit Lions trying to keep OL intact; re-sign Matt Nelson, await word on Evan Brown

The Detroit Lions kept another one of their own free agents off the market Tuesday, re-signing backup offensive tackle Matt Nelson.

Nelson has been a key reserve for a Lions offensive line that's ranked among the best in the NFL the past two years.

He started 11 games in 2021, playing both left and right tackle, and made 11 appearances as the team's swing tackle last season.

Nelson was eligible for restricted free agency this week, but the Lions declined to tender him a right of first refusal offer of $2.627 million. Absent a new contract, he would have been an unrestricted free agent at 4 p.