The Detroit Lions have taken steps to bolster their roster by signing 11 players to reserve or future contracts, as officially announced on Tuesday. Notable among the signees are wide receivers Tom Kennedy and Maurice Alexander, along with running back Jermar Jefferson. It’s worth highlighting that all these players had previous stints on the team’s practice squad during the current season.
The nature of these contracts is such that they come into effect on the first day of the upcoming league year. This marks the period when teams can expand their rosters to accommodate 90 players in preparation for training camp.
Coming off the 2023 season, which saw the Lions reach the NFC Championship game but ultimately fall short against the San Francisco 49ers, the team is actively engaged in enhancing its competitiveness. Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the ongoing pursuit of improvement, emphasizing the importance of elevating both player performance and coaching standards. Campbell emphasized the need to cultivate a roster with heightened competition and ensure that the coaching staff operates at a high level, a crucial aspect for sustained success in the quest for a Lombardi Trophy.
The 11 players secured through reserve or future contracts are as follows:
1. LB Mitchell Agude
2. WR Maurice Alexander
3. OL Matt Farniok
4. RB Jake Funk
5. OT Connor Galvin
6. CB Craig James
7. RB Jermar Jefferson
8. S Brandon Joseph
9. WR Tom Kennedy
10. OL Michael Niese
11. DL Chris Smith
In other NFL developments, the league recently released the final rosters for the Pro Bowl. Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin did not make the list, and no specific reason was provided for his absence. Former Lions fullback/linebacker Nick Bellore has taken his place in the Pro Bowl lineup.
Furthermore, quarterback Jared Goff has opted out of participating in the Pro Bowl, declining the opportunity to take the field for the annual All-Star game. The decisions surrounding Pro Bowl participation underscore the dynamic nature of team rosters and player commitments in the NFL.
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