Though many are focused on other matters right now, the Detroit Lions made several notable moves on Monday by signing 11 practice squad players to futures contracts. The complete list includes:
- LB Abraham Beaplan
- Edge Isaac Ukwu
- C Kinsley Eguakun
- QB Jake Fromm
- LB DaRon Gilbert
- S Erick Hallet
- T Jamarco Jones
- WR Tom Kennedy
- DL Chris Smith
- S Loren Strickland
- CB Stanley Thomas-Oliver
This means that some practice squad players won’t be returning to Detroit, at least not in the same capacity. Notable departures include Kwon Alexander, Jermar Jefferson, James Mitchell, and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Among those retained, the key players are Isaac Ukwu, Kinsley Eguakun, and Loren Strickland, all of whom are expected to have a more prominent role in 2025.
Ukwu could potentially earn a spot on the 53-man roster as part of the edge rusher rotation. He showed promise during the preseason and when he was called up.
Loren Strickland, a hard-hitting safety who spent much of the year on the 53-man roster, is expected to return in 2025 and could play an important role on special teams.
Eguakun might need to wait for his opportunity, but there’s good reason to believe he could eventually replace Frank Ragnow at center when Ragnow decides to retire.
More news…..
Dan Campbell reveals his one non-negotiable quality for Lions players
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has consistently demonstrated his aggressive approach, a mindset that dates back to his initial press conference when he famously declared he was ready to “break kneecaps.”
This competitive drive is something Campbell wants ingrained throughout his roster. It’s the one quality he prioritizes above all else when evaluating players.
“You got to be competitive,” Campbell explained. “That may be a no-(expletive) statement… but it’s hard to teach somebody to be competitive. You either have it or you don’t.”
This mentality has influenced the Lions’ moves in both free agency and the draft, highlighted by their selection of running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round of 2023. It also reflects in the play of quarterback Jared Goff, who has flourished since joining Detroit in 2021.
The fiercely competitive Lions are now set to face a determined Washington Commanders team, which stunned the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, extending their winning streak to six games. Should Detroit’s competitive edge carry them past the Commanders on Saturday, they’ll host the NFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history, facing either the Los Angeles Rams or Philadelphia Eagles.
