Phillip Hunt, Julian Edelman

Former Philadelphia Eagles pass-rusher Phillip Hunt was never able to carry over his CFL or preseason success to an NFL regular season.

(AP File Photo)

The Detroit Lions unearthed two diamonds in the rough along the defensive line last season, getting unexpected contributions from veteran free agents George Johnson and Darryl Tapp. The team hopes to find another surprising contributor in former CFL standout Phillip Hunt.

The Lions have agreed to sign Hunt, according to ESPN.

After going undrafted out the University of Houston in 2009, Hunt found his way to the CFL as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In his second season with the club, he lead the league with 16 sacks.

That production earned the 6-foot-1, 250-pounder a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he appeared in 22 games, recording 16 tackles and three sacks.

Like Tapp, Hunt's time in Philadelphia overlapped with current Lions defensive line coach Jim Washburn, who was serving in the same capacity for the Eagles in 2012.

Hunt, 29, has not appeared in a regular season contest the past two years. He missed the 2013 campaign after tearing his ACL in the preseason. Last year he was with the Indianapolis Colts during training camp and the preseason, but was cut by the team before Week 1.

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