The Detroit Lions made a move Thursday to try and improve their much-maligned special-teams units.
The club confirmed the signing of running back Montell Owens, who played for Jacksonville the last seven seasons.
The Jaguars, who picked him up as an undrafted free agent out of Maine in 2006, released him earlier this month.
Owens, 29, was a special-teams selection to the Pro Bowl in 2010 and 2011.
In 104 NFL games, Owens has made only four starts on offense, carrying the ball 56 times for 292 yards and three touchdowns, and catching 12 passes for 132 yards and no touchdowns.
Most of his offensive production came last season for the injury-riddled Jaguars.
If he makes the Lions' roster, however, it undoubtedly will be for his special-teams contributions.
His special-teams coach last season in Jacksonville was John Bonamego, the Lions' new special-teams coordinator.
