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.
This is what a well-run organization looks like. No holdouts, no drama, just everyone locked in and ready to compete. I’m hyped to see what these UDFAs bring during OTAs cause Campbell’s system is all about proving yourself on the field not your draft position.
Don’t get me wrong, I like how smooth Holmes operates, but let’s be real – most of these UDFAs are gonna get cut like always. The optimism is nice but I’ll believe it when I see one of these guys actually contribute on Sundays in real games.
You know what’s different now? We’re not seeing contract drama and holdouts anymore. Back in the day this would’ve dragged on forever and created chaos. Holmes and Campbell have built something solid here and it shows even in how smoothly the business side runs.
Blake Miller at 76 protecting Goff’s blind side is exactly what we need. The fact that we got all these guys signed with zero drama right before OTAs shows how organized this staff really is. Can’t wait to see what Campbell does with these hungry rookies.