Earlier this week, the Detroit Lions signed Mathieu Betts, the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for 2023. It’s an intriguing addition, as the Lions want to improve their pass rush this season after ranking 23rd in sacks. The former BC Lion defensive end recorded 18 sacks in 18 games last season, which has piqued the interest of numerous NFL teams.
According to CFL reporter John Hodge, Betts had many workouts following the CFL season and was even offered guaranteed money by another NFL team. But, in the end, he bet on himself with the Lions, believing they were a better fit.
“That’s the roster we were most confident that I could crack,” Betts said during a videoconference this week. “It was the first workout that I had this offseason and the chemistry, the energy, the discussions I’ve had with the staff there just felt right.”
The 49ers’ quest for another last-second miracle merits a thorough rewind.
Betts has a legitimate shot at making the roster. Julian Okwara recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, while Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris will soon become unrestricted free agents. The Lions defensive line room will almost definitely look very different in 2024.
According to Betts, the Lions were drawn to him because of his work ethic. That should come as no surprise, as players with high motors and effort fit perfectly into the culture Detroit has been attempting to create since coach Dan Campbell took aboard.
“The one thing they told me that popped off film is they saw somebody that was working hard,” Betts was quoted as saying. “And after they got that box checked, then they started looking at different athletic capacities and football capacities.”
Betts has a really fascinating athletic profile. While he is undoubtedly undersized by NFL standards for an edge defender, his speed and agility are approaching top levels:
Betts adds not only physical abilities, but also experience. While he was an undrafted rookie in 2019 and did not go past Chicago Bears training camp, he now returns to the NFL with four years of CFL experience.
“I don’t think there’s anything that I did five years ago that I don’t do better now,” Betts was quoted as saying. “So I feel like I’m in a better situation football-wise to make an NFL roster.”
