Tyrunn Walker, who played the last three seasons for the New Orleans Saints, was signed by the Lions on Thursday night.

The defensive tackle, who is 6-foot-3 and 294 pounds, signed a one-year deal worth about $1.75 million per the team web site.

The Lions are in need of help at the defensive tackle position. They traded for veteran Haloti Ngata on Tuesday after Ndamukong Suh had agreed to sign with the Dolphins. Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley remain free agents.

Walker wasn’t tendered by the Saints as a restricted free agent. 

He played in 16 games in 2014 as a rotational player on the defensive line. He had one start. He finished with 19 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Walker, who played at Tulsa, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Saints in April 2012.

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