Christian

Covington

Covington suffered a torn pec in Week 10 of the 2022 season but was already working out in January, so his status for the Lions’ offseason program shouldn’t be a concern. A rotational run-stuffer for the Chargers over the past two years, Covington tallied four TFLs, one sack, and 64 total tackles across 20 games in LA. The 29-year-old will serve as a depth option for Detroit’s defensive line.

Per Staley, fellow Chargers defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia is also out for the season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon. The timing of the injuries couldn’t be worse with LA parting ways with Jerry Tillery less than a week ago. Tillery had lost his starting job earlier in the season but would have returned to a prominent role because of the injuries at his position. Covington had 12 tackles and one TFL in four appearances this year.

Covington appeared in 16 games for the Chargers in 2021, three of which were credited as starts. Before that, he started 14 games for the Bengals in 2020. Given his experience, it’s a surprising move from LA. Covington tallied one sack and three TFLs while playing mostly on early downs last year. He should be able to land a spot on an active roster once teams recalibrate after final cuts.

A journeyman early-down thumper, this will stop Covington’s streak of seasons where he was with a new team at four. Headed into his age-29 campaign, Covington will presumably provide 400-500 snaps for the Chargers’ upgraded defensive line, though it is possible that number rolls back more than expected.

Covington was a 14-game starter for the Bengals last season, but that translated to only 481 total snaps as he manned the interior. He will be in line for a smaller role in Los Angeles, though Covington has long provided value as a rotational run stuffer.

27 next month, Covington has appeared in 66 career games, making 15 starts as a rotational lineman. He has 8.5 career sacks and one forced fumble. Covington played in all 16 games for Dallas last season, getting in on 45% of the defensive snaps. He gives the Bengals some depth after DT Josh Tupou opted out and then Renell Wren was placed on I.R.

It’s a swap of back-of-the-roster players at positions of need for both clubs. 26-year-old Calitro has appeared in 29 games over the last two seasons with the Seahawks and Jaguars, functioning as a sub-package linebacker and special teams maven. The Broncos recently lost rookie LB Justin Strnad for the season to wrist surgery.

The deal includes $625,000 guaranteed. Covington was used far more often than expected for the Cowboys last year, totaling 28 tackles, three quarterback hits, and one sack across 481 snaps as a six-game starter. He’ll play a similar rotational role behind Mike Purcell and third-round rookie McTelvin Agim this upcoming season.

A sixth-round pick in 2015, Covington stuck around Houston for four seasons as a rotational lineman. He will likely be asked to fill the same role in Dallas.

Covington missed the final nine games last season but should be fully healthy for OTAs. He’ll return as a rotational end opposite J.J. Watt.