In classic training camp fashion, the Lions add their name to the list of teams who have added a veteran free agent to their offensive line group. A veteran of 67 starts in his career, Bobby Hart fits the bill and adds depth to a crucial part of the Lions’ map to success in 2023. Injuries happen along the offensive line, adding Hart to the mix allows the team to be covered if or when it happens.
An aforementioned veteran of the NFL, Hart has played for a plethora of teams. He spent the last two years with the Buffalo Bills after jumping around teams and practice squads while filling in for injured players. That role is one that he is used to which may have added to his allure with the Lions front office.
What are the Lions getting in Bobby Hart?
Bobby Hart entered the NFL in 2015 when he was drafted in the seventh round by the New York Giants. As a rookie, Hart was being groomed to make a switch from tackle to guard due to his size but he remained a right tackle for 2015. In 2016 he would start 13 games for the Giants followed up by only starting seven the following year. After an ankle injury ended his season he would be placed on injured reserve before eventually being cut from the Giants.
His second stop in the NFL is where he would carve out a meaningful spot, this time on the Cincinnati Bengals. His first year with the team he would start every game for the team and played well enough to earn a contract extension with them valued at $16.15 million over three seasons.
He would cement himself as a reliable option on a young Bengals offensive line but ultimately he would find himself cut heading into the final year of his extension.
He would do a rinse and repeat order for several teams in 2021 as mentioned above filling in for injured players at either guard or tackle. That long and twisty road through the NFL. Hart has shown an affinity to learn offenses quickly while also being serviceable when needed in a quick matter.
Signing him in training camp allows for him to be completely antiquated with the Lions offense. It also allows him to work in either the guard or tackle position to add to his flexibility when called upon.
It won’t seem like a move worth being excited over, right now that is a fair criticism, but give it time. If Bobby Hart makes the roster that signals this team has along term plan for the veteran offensive lineman with a starting pedigree behind him.
