The Rams and Lions have both been mentioned as possible landing spots for former Falcons guard Justin Blalock and it looks like the Lions will get first crack at bringing him onboard.
Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that Blalock will visit the Lions on Thursday. Blalock was released by the Falcons last month in a move that both saved cap space and opened up the left guard job for a player who will be a better fit for the zone blocking principles preferred by new Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
Rob Sims started at left guard for the Lions last season and became a free agent on Tuesday. Blalock has been a durable -- three missed games in eight seasons with the Falcons -- and effective player over the course of his career, which makes his appeal obvious for a Lions team that didn’t run the ball well last season.
If Blalock signs in Detroit, they’ll be set to have two new starters on the offensive line after deciding veteran center Dominic Raiola won’t be back with the team.