Allen Park, Mich. –The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed free agent TE Matthew Mulligan and acquired CB Johnthan Banks via trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a 2018 conditional seventh-round draft pick.
In addition, the Lions placed TE Cole Wick (knee) on Reserve/Injured and DE Armonty Bryant on Reserve/Suspended.
Mulligan returns to Detroit after signing with the team earlier this offseason and participating in the team's preseason and training camp. He spent the 2015 season with the Buffalo Bills in which he saw action in 12 games (five starts) and totaled one reception for two yards.
Mulligan entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Maine in 2008, earning a spot on the Miami Dolphins practice squad. He has appeared in 81 games (31 starts) and recorded 17 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns.
Currently in his fourth season, Banks comes to Detroit after beginning the 2016 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he appeared in five games. A former second-round pick by the Buccaneers out of Mississippi State (43rd overall) in 2013, Banks played in 50 games (37 starts) for Tampa Bay, starting all 16 games as a rookie in 2013. His career totals include 130 tackles (109 solo), seven interceptions, one touchdown, 16 pass defenses and two tackles for loss.
STATEMENT BY AN NFL SPOKESPERSON REGARDING DE ARMONTY BRYANT
Armonty Bryant of the Detroit Lions has been suspended without pay for the team's next three games for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Bryant's suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Lions' active roster on Friday, November 25 following the team's November 24 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
[Note: The NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse is posted on nflcommunications.com. After logging in, click on "About NFL" from the homepage and then "NFL Policies."]
STATEMENT FROM THE DETROIT LIONS REGARDING DE ARMONTY BRYANT
"When we signed Armonty, we knew additional discipline from the NFL was a possibility due to an incident that occurred in 2015.
"Since joining our team, Armonty has met our expectations on and off the field."
