Linebacker Bobby Carpenter, who played for the Lions the last two seasons, has signed with the New England Patriots.

Carpenter wasn’t a usual starter for the Lions, but when he stepped in he was typically solid as he was on special teams. He played in all 16 games in 2011 with three starts. He signed midway through the 2010 season due to injuries and played in 10 games with a pair of starts.

Carpenter, a first-round draft pick by the Cowboys in 2006 out of Ohio State, won’t be seen as a huge loss for the Lions, but without him they will need to find some depth at the position.

He’s the third significant player to be lost in free agency along with CB Eric Wright and QB Drew Stanton.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.)