Contract Season Complete: Lions Lock Down Draft Class and Nine UDFAs
The Detroit Lions made it official Tuesday, signing all seven draft picks from their 2026 class along with nine undrafted free agents. And yes, that includes first-round tackle Blake Miller, who was the last holdout in what turned out to be the most painless contract negotiation process this franchise has seen in years.
Remember when rookie contracts used to be a whole production? When first-rounders would hold out into training camp over guaranteed money and offset language? Brad Holmes has this organization running so smoothly that even the paperwork gets done ahead of schedule.
The nine UDFAs were all previously reported, but now they’re officially in Honolulu Blue:
The UDFA Class Gets Their Shot
QB Luke Altmyer from Illinois, TE Miles Kitselman from Tennessee, guard Melvin Priestly from Illinois, edge rushers Eric O’Neill from Rutgers and Anthony Lucas from USC, DT Aidan Keanaaina from Cal, LB Erick Hunter from Morgan State, CB De’Shawn Rucker from USF, and DB Aamaris Brown from UNLV.
That’s nine hungry players who know they’re fighting for roster spots and practice squad positions. In Dan Campbell’s system, that hunger matters more than draft position.
Jersey Numbers Are In
The rookies got their digits, though don’t get too attached. These numbers shift around like musical chairs once roster cuts start happening in late summer.
Blake Miller snagged #76 for his first NFL jersey. Derrick Moore grabbed #9. LB Jimmy Rolder gets #41, CB Keith Abney takes #28, WR Kendrick Law lands #88, DT Skyler Gill-Howard wears #50, and DL Tyre West gets #52.
The UDFAs spread across the number board: Altmyer gets #2, Kitselman #84, Priestly #74, O’Neill #66, Lucas #61, Keanaaina #60, Hunter #48, Rucker #43, and Brown #42.
OTAs Around the Corner
With no rookie minicamp this year, the first look at these players in Lions gear comes during OTAs. Three weeks of voluntary workouts starting May 27, followed by mandatory minicamp in mid-June.
That’s when we’ll see if Moore’s pass rush translates to Allen Park. When we’ll find out if Miller can handle the jump to protecting Jared Goff’s blind side. When Campbell and the coaching staff start sorting through which UDFAs have that special something.
Sixteen players signed, sealed, and ready to compete. In the old days, half these guys would still be arguing with agents over workout bonuses. Holmes has this machine humming.
Think any of these UDFAs stick around long enough to matter, or are we just watching the annual hope parade? Drop your predictions below.
