“Who?”

Forgive Lions fans (and media!) who reacted with surprise when reports came down the pike that the Lions had signed former Chicago Bears defensive end Cornelius Washington.

For those not familiar: Washington was a sixth-round pick in the 2013 draft, and is currently listed at 6-foot-4, 292 pounds. In a hilarious indication of how strange a fit he became when the Bears hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, NFL.com lists the nearly 300-pound man as a linebacker.

Not only is it safe to say from my couch that Washington’s a better fit as a Devin Taylor-style outside-to-inside guy, Washington himself told the Detroit Free Press‘ Dave Birkett the same thing:

Just talked to new Lions DE Cornelius Washington: "The system that they have, I'm tailor made for it." — Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 9, 2017

Over his four seasons in Chicago, Washington’s dressed for just 31 games, and started only two. That’s partially because of injuries; he lost almost the entire 2015 season to an unnamed malady on the very first snap of the year, per Rotoworld.

It’s a great sign that for all the confusion in Detroit, Chicago fans and media seem to think the Lions snagged a hidden gem:

Detroit Lions getting emerging player in @CornWash. A powerful DE who finally got on field in 2016 after unlucky injuries. Played well pic.twitter.com/kcqX7DxPif — Aldo Gandia (@AldoBarkeeper) March 9, 2017

#Bears DE Cornelius Washington could draw serious interest in the NFC North. Has scheme flexibility. — Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 9, 2017

Washington’s contract is a two-year, $6 million dollar deal per ESPN’s Adam Caplan, with incentives that could push it up to $8 million. Whether the 27-year-old blossoms into an impact strongside end/nickel tackle, or remains another big body on the roster, the cap impact should be low.

If Bears fans are right, and Washington’s time to shine has arrived, this will have been one of the savviest signings the Lions have made in a long time.