Former Packers TE Andrew Quarless signs with Lions

After not receiving an offer from the Green Bay Packers, veteran tight end Andrew Quarless spent nearly six months without an NFL job. That wait came to an end Monday when he signed with the Detroit Lions.

Quarless, a fifth-round pick in 2010, joins a Lions offense that could find itself without starting tight end Eric Ebron and top backup Brandon Pettigrew for the season opener. Quarless doesn’t possess the field-stretching abilities of Ebron and struggles as a blocker, but he provides Detroit with a reliable weapon over the middle.

The Lions’ decision to bring in Quarless doesn’t come without questions, however. He faces a two-game suspension for discharging a firearm in public, an incident that occurred during the 2015 offseason.

In a statement released by the team, general manager Bob Quinn said: “We have thoroughly researched the incident that caused the suspension and have talked at length with Andrew about this. Andrew has been forthright and honest about the situation and he has gone through the process within the legal system. As an organization we are comfortable with adding Andrew to the roster and look forward to seeing him compete for the rest of the preseason.”

In five appearances last season, Quarless hauled in four passes for 31 yards. He has recorded 89 receptions, 940 receiving yards and six touchdowns during his five-year career with the Packers.