Four Former Lions Still Looking for Work
The Chiefs just brought L’Jarius Sneed back after he spent a couple seasons in Tennessee, which got us thinking about former Lions who are still floating around the free agent pool. Brad Holmes has shown he’s not too proud to bring back players who fit what Detroit is building, and with training camp approaching, a few familiar faces could make sense for depth and competition.
Here are four reunions that might actually work.
Edge Cam Gill
Gill’s Detroit stint was a cup of coffee during the 2024 season. Spent a couple weeks here and then moved on. But here’s the thing: he’s been tearing up the UFL and has a real shot at Defensive Player of the Year down there.
The guy has NFL experience and actually sacked Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl in 2020. That’s more than most edge rushers can say. If he’s still got something left in the tank, bringing him back for a depth role makes plenty of sense. Detroit could use the competition behind Hutchinson and Wonnum.
LB Jahlani Tavai
Yeah, I know. A lot of you are still mad about how this one went down the first time. Tavai didn’t work out here, but then he went to the Patriots and started there for years. Turns out he just needed a different system.
With the Lions waiting for Rolder to develop, Tavai could compete with Malcolm Rodriguez for the Will linebacker spot. At worst, he’s solid competition in training camp. Sometimes players just need a second chance in a place that’s figured out how to use them better.
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
He already came back once, so why not make it twice? Reeves-Maybin has been one of the better special teams players in the league over the past few years. He might not be the same guy he was in 2023, but he can still contribute there.
Plus, he just spent time in Chicago with Ben Johnson last year, so he hasn’t exactly gone far. If Detroit needs special teams help and veteran leadership, bringing back a guy who knows the building makes sense.
S Ifeatu Melifonwu
Melifonwu is still out there and actually worked out with the Seahawks on Monday. The Lions are pretty well set at safety with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, but there’s no harm in bringing back someone who already knows the system and played well in it.
Sometimes the best depth pieces are guys who’ve already been through your program. Melifonwu understands what Detroit wants from its safeties, and that familiarity could be valuable if injuries hit.
Think any of these reunions would actually help, or are we just getting sentimental about guys who already had their shot? Let me know in the comments.
