What new players did the Lions get?

The Detroit Lions recently signed several players to reserve/future contracts in early January 2026, including OL Devin Cochran & Mason Miller, WRs Malik Cunningham & Jackson Meeks, DE Ahmed Hassanein, TE Zach Horton, RB Jabari Small, DL Chris Smith, and S Loren Strickland, keeping young talent for the 2026 season; they also re-signed exclusive rights free agents like RB Jacob Saylors and CB Nick Whiteside. These moves focus on building the roster for next year, not major free-agent signings for the immediate 2025 season.

Did the Lions acquire any new players?

The Detroit Lions re-sign OL Michael Niese, RB Jacob Saylors and CB Nick Whiteside. The Detroit Lions sign OL Devin Cochran, WR Malik Cunningham, DE Ahmed Hassanein, TE Zach Horton, WR Jackson Meeks, OL Mason Miller, RB Jabari Small, DL Chris Smith and S Loren Strickland to a Reserve/Future contract.

What free agents have the Detroit Lions signed?

Exclusive rights free agents (1)

So far, the Lions have re-signed three: RB Jacob Saylors, IOL Michael Niese, and Nick Whiteside, leaving just one player who has not been offered a tender or contract yet.

Who did the Detroit Lions pick 3rd overall?

Okudah was considered to be the best cornerback prospect in the 2020 NFL draft, where he was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the team on July 13, 2020. The contract was worth a fully guaranteed $33.528 million, including a $21.944 million signing bonus.

What did the Lions give up to get Za Darius Smith?

To acquire Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns in November 2024, the Detroit Lions gave up a 2025 fifth-round draft pick and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick. Essentially, they swapped a 2025 fifth for a 2026 seventh and Smith, with the Browns also sending their 2026 sixth to Detroit as part of the deal, making it a cost-effective move for Detroit's pass rush.
 

Detroit Lions Thankfully Have A Free Agent Steal...

What team had the worst draft in 2025?

Ranking Worst 2025 Draft Classes

1. Los Angeles Rams. Biggest Reach: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon. Most Confusing: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon. ...
2. Cincinnati Bengals. Biggest Reach: Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia. Most Confusing: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina. ...
3. Denver Broncos. Biggest Reach: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF.

Did the Lions get a new kicker?

On June 18, 2024, Bates signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions.

Can Shedeur Sanders go back to college if he doesn't get drafted?

No, if Shedeur Sanders declared for the NFL Draft and wasn't drafted, he generally cannot go back to college football because declaring forfeits his remaining NCAA eligibility, with a brief 72-hour window to revoke the declaration after the official filing, which he missed. While some argue he could challenge the NCAA rule through a lawsuit, citing antitrust concerns, it's a difficult path, and he'd likely become an undrafted free agent (UDFA) to sign with an NFL team or pursue other professional leagues.
 

Did Nick Whiteside get cut from the Lions?

Yes, Nick Whiteside was waived by the Detroit Lions in late August 2025 during final roster cuts, but he was signed back to the practice squad later and remained with the team, even signing a new deal in January 2026. He was waived again in November 2025 to make roster space for returning injured players but was re-signed to the practice squad after a short period.
 

Why did the Lions trade Darius Slay?

In 2020, Darius Slay wanted a new contract but didn't get it with the team that drafted him in the early second round in 2013. Staring at his age-30 season, the Detroit Lions instead sent Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles despite three straight Pro Bowl seasons and an All-Pro nod.

Which Lions free agents are unrestricted?

For the 2026 offseason, key unrestricted free agents for the Detroit Lions include prominent players like DT D.J. Reader, LB Alex Anzalone, WR Kalif Raymond, CB Amik Robertson, and defensive linemen like Marcus Davenport and Levi Onwuzurike, along with QB Kyle Allen, among others, with many key contributors hitting the market as the team prepares for free agency. 

Is Elon Musk buying the Detroit Lions football team?

No, Elon Musk did not buy the Detroit Lions from the Ford family for a world record price - Yahoo Sports.

What is considered the worst NFL draft class?

The 1992 NFL Draft is widely considered the worst ever, lacking any Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees and producing very few stars, with the Indianapolis Colts famously whiffing on the first two overall picks (Steve Emtman and Quentin Coryatt). Other contenders for "worst" often include drafts with significant first-round disappointments like 2013, which saw many top picks underperform despite later-round gems like Travis Kelce, and specific team classes, such as the Raiders' 2007 draft or the Redskins' drafts around 2005-2008.
 

Who did the Lions lose in free agency?

Who has left Lions in free agency 2025? CB Carlton Davis III to Patriots: 3 years, $60 million.

Why did the Lions fire Jim Caldwell?

The Detroit Lions fired Jim Caldwell in January 2018 because General Manager Bob Quinn felt the team needed a "new voice" to reach the "next level," citing Caldwell's inability to beat good teams and achieve postseason success despite three winning seasons and identical 9-7 records in his last two years. Key reasons included poor performance against winning teams, perennial struggles with the rushing offense, and the GM's desire for a coach to elevate the franchise beyond wild-card contention.
 

What will Shedeur Sanders' salary be?

Shedeur Sanders signed a standard four-year, $4.6 million rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns (a 5th-round pick), including a $447,380 signing bonus, after the 2025 NFL Draft, taking a pay cut from his significant NIL earnings in college but securing his place on an NFL roster, via.
 

How much do undrafted NFL players get paid?

Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs) usually start at the NFL minimum salary, around $750,000 for 2023/2024, often on three-year deals, but they can earn more with bigger signing bonuses or guaranteed money, especially if a team sees them as a priority, with some receiving significant guarantees like $300,000. While many get only the league minimum plus a small bonus, top prospects might get enticing deals, but most contracts are minimum-based and performance-dependent in training camp, with the potential for higher earnings if they make the 53-man roster. 

What is the punishment for not getting drafted?

If you get drafted and refuse to go, you face serious federal charges, potentially including heavy fines (up to $250,000) and prison time (up to 5 years) for draft evasion, as it's a felony to fail to comply with Selective Service requirements. While many dodged the draft during the Vietnam War with varied outcomes, modern enforcement is strict, with the Selective Service System referring violators to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation and prosecution. You might get another chance to report, but refusing after passing physicals is easier to prosecute, with options like claiming conscientious objector status or fleeing the country being complex alternatives. 

What is Jake Bates' salary with the Detroit Lions?

Jake Bates signed a two-year, $1.98 million contract with the Detroit Lions in June 2024, including $150,000 guaranteed and a $100,000 signing bonus, with base salaries of $795,000 (2024) and $960,000 (2025), plus bonuses, making his total potential earnings nearly $2 million over the deal.
 

Who is the 41 year old field goal kicker?

The 41-year-old field goal kicker you're likely referring to is Matt Prater, who played for the Buffalo Bills in the 2025 NFL season, becoming the oldest player for the team and a significant part of their late-season success, especially after signing unexpectedly and delivering a game-winning kick in his first game back from a brief retirement/coaching stint. He's known for his powerful leg and longevity, holding NFL records for longest field goals and most 50+ yard kicks, proving that experience and consistent mechanics can keep kickers effective well into their 40s. 

Why did KC Trade sneed?

The Kansas City Chiefs traded L'Jarius Sneed primarily due to salary cap constraints, prioritizing other key players like Chris Jones, and the desire to secure a valuable draft pick for a player they weren't prepared to sign long-term, despite his crucial role in their Super Bowl wins. Using the franchise tag on Sneed allowed them to get compensation (a 2025 third-round pick) instead of losing him for nothing after he sought a long-term deal.
 

Who is the unpopular NFL player?

A Forbes poll found that Detroit Lions defender Ndamukong Suh was the NFL's least-liked player.

What's the worst team ever in NFL history?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers maintain the lowest regular season win–loss percentage (.412), holding a 326–466–1 record through 2025. Being the most-recently founded franchise in the NFL, the Houston Texans have recorded the fewest regular season games played (389) and wins (174).

Who was the biggest bust at QB in NFL history?

The QB signed a six-year deal, but between questionable fitness, interceptions and a notorious blank DVD story, Russell lasted just three years in the NFL and went down as perhaps the biggest draft bust in NFL history.