Detroit Lions Add Former Ute Darrin Paulo

DETROIT- The Lions added former Ute Darrin Paulo to their roster Thursday afternoon on the heels of waiving linebacker Natrez Patrick with an injury designation. Paulo comes back to Detroit as a free agent after being released from the team in 2021. Before landing with the Lions, Paulo spent time with the Saints and the Broncos. He also had a stint this past year in the USFL with the Tampa Bay Bandits.

#Lions have signed free agent T Darrin Paulo and waived LB Natrez Patrick.

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 28, 2022

Darrin Paulo’s Career Highlights

Darrin Paulo came to the Utes in 2015 from Sacramento, California and redshirted his true freshman year. He was a starter for the Utes from 2016 to 2019 playing in 53 games, starting 40 of those on the offensive line. In 2019 Paulo was a key piece to Utah’s rushing attack that featured running back Zack Moss and finished first in the Pac-12 in rushing.

Paulo’s efforts earned him a free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints after the 2020 Draft. It wasn’t long after that Paulo found a new home with the Broncos for the remainder of the 2020 football season.

Last May, Paulo was signed by Detroit and spent time on their practice squad through 2021. Paulo has never played in a regular-season game in the NFL. The Lions then opted to resign Paulo to help out their depleted offensive after Patrick was waved with injury. It is thought Paulo will compete for a back-up offensive tackle position through training camp.

The Lions open their preseason at home against the Atlanta Falcons on August 12th. Their regular season also opens at home at Ford Field on September 18th against the Washington Commanders.

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