ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions are bringing a former local college star back to Michigan.

The franchise claimed defensive tackle and former Michigan State star Jerel Worthy off waivers Tuesday afternoon, adding a young, veteran presence to a defensive tackle group still fairly light on experience. Worthy was drafted in the second round by Green Bay in 2012. Worthy played two seasons in Green Bay, notching 15 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He was then traded to New England in 2014. After being waived by the Patriots, he was claimed by Kansas City and spent most of the season on the practice squad.

He was cut by the Chiefs on Monday and claimed by the Lions on Tuesday. He will end up competing with Tyrunn Walker, Gabe Wright and Caraun Reid for a defensive tackle spot next to Haloti Ngata.

To make room for Worthy, the Lions cut linebacker Jerrell Harris.