The Lions reportedly will host a veteran free agent that could add some needed leadership. After being cut by the Eagles Monday, defensive tackle Mike Patterson has scheduled a visit with the Lions, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Patterson, 29, spent eight seasons in Philadelphia after the Eagles drafted him 31st overall out of USC in 2005, and he started at least 14 games each year from 2006-11. After suffering a seizure in August 2011, Patterson was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation, which causes an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the brain. He played 15 games that season before undergoing brain surgery in January 2012 and returned to play five games last season. Although he has never had more than four sacks in a season, the 300-pound Patterson was an efficient run stopper during his time in Philadelphia. Patterson was the Eagles' recipient of the NFL's Ed Block Courage Award in 2011. The Lions lost a veteran leader when they released defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch earlier this month, but Patterson could help fill that void on the defensive line. He'd also bring experience for younger defensive tackles Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh. If Patterson signed with the Lions, he'd be reunited with Jim Washburn, who coached the Eagles' defensive line from 2011-12. Washburn was hired in January as a defensive assistant who likely will focus on the defensive line. From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130227/SPORTS0101/302270437#ixzz2MCp5cYPB