Ex-Lions OT Matt Nelson signs with the Giants as a free agent

Ex-Lions OT Matt Nelson signs with the Giants as a free agent

Matt Nelson won’t be back in Detroit. The free agent offensive tackle has signed with the New York Giants.

The Giants announced the move on Thursday night, agreeing to terms with the former Lions tackle. The move will be official once Nelson passes a physical with his new team.

Nelson has played his entire career with the Lions, beginning on the practice squad in 2019. He has been the team’s primary backup offensive tackle for most of the last four seasons, including 2023 when he started two games. Nelson finished the season on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury. He started 14 games in four years in Detroit.

The Lions have yet to address the backup offensive tackle position this offseason beyond bringing back veteran Dan Skipper.