The Detroit Lions made a trade to net linebacker Eli Harold for the team this past week, and it was a move whose payoff was not immediately seen on the field thanks to the fact that Harold did not play in the team's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday night. Still, though, Harold's addition might end up being a quietly savvy move for the Lions in the long run thanks to what the linebacker can provide for the team and their defense this coming season on the field.

Prior to Friday night's game on the field, new CBS Sports color analyst Bruce Arians hopped on the radio with the WJR crew and spoke about what the Lions are getting in Harold, a gritty linebacker who's seen a few decent seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. If there's anyone who would know about Harold, it's Arians, considering the coach played San Francisco plenty. Veteran DetroitLions.com columnist Mike O'Hara shared a tweet with Arians' glowing bit of praise for one of the newest members of the team prior to the lead in of the game.

"Unprompted, retired Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said on WJR-760 pregame interview that he likes Lions' acquisition of LB Eli Harold from 49ers. Said he's strong, sets the edge. Cardinals faced 49ers twice a year," O'Hara tweeted.

Harold, 24, is in his fourth season with the 49ers after being selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia. In 48 games with the 49ers (24 starts), Harold had 85 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble. Harold was a starter for the 49ers last season at the Sam linebacker position and was projected to hold down the same spot this season.

After totaling 141 tackles, 17.5 sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss as a defensive end at Virginia, Harold (6-3, 257) played mostly in a backup and special teams role as a rookie in 2015, making 14 tackles in 16 games. Harold moved into the starting lineup as a 3-4 outside linebacker in 2016 and totaled 37 tackles and three sacks, then remained a starter at the Sam linebacker spot when the 49ers moved to a 4-3 look in 2017. Harold had 34 tackles and two sacks for the 49ers last season.

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In Detroit, Harold is expected to fit in as a depth piece that can help rush the quarterback. Detroit has struggled setting the edge at linebacker and rushing the passer this preseason and camp, and a guy like Harold could be a fast fit if he's able to do both of those things well for the team. Working with Matt Patricia could end up being a benefit for the youngster.

The Lions have shuffled their linebacking group plenty this offseason, losing Tahir Whitehead, but signing Devon Kennard and Christian Jones to the group in free agency to go with Jonathan Freeney. Though they drafted Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Jarrad Davis last year, the need might exist for some help, given it's been one of the thinner spots on the roster in recent months for the team. Enter Harold after late last week's deal.

If Harold can come in and give the team what Arians is suggesting, the move to trade a 7th round pick in 2020 for him would have to be considered a major win. It's a positive to see an opposing coach like the move from that standpoint.