Montell Owens was signed by the Detroit Lions Thursday, just two weeks after he was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He’s a running back, but excels at special teams play.

Owens set the Jaguars franchise record last season for career special teams tackles with 118 and has tied the franchise record for most special teams tackles in a season at 30. 

He spent the last seven seasons in Jacksonville after they signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Maine in 2006.

It is no coincidence that last season his special teams coach was John Bonamego who now holds that same position with the Lions.

Owens has done a little return work, but he specializes in coverage. In 2010 and 2011 he went to the Pro Bowl for his special teams play.

Kassim Osgood, who played special teams for the Lions last season, was not re-signed.

Will Owens’ addition affect the Lions running back position? It could. They’ve got running backs Reggie Bush, Mikel Leshoure, Joique Bell, rookie Theo Riddick and undrafted rookie Steven Miller currently on the roster. 

Owens had 42 carries for 209 yards and a touchdown last season.

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