The UFL season wrapped up with the Louisville Kings taking home the championship, which means it’s officially time for Brad Holmes to do what he does best: find diamonds in the rough. The Lions have built a pipeline from the UFL to Allen Park, and with training camp around the corner, there are five players who could make sense for Detroit.
Holmes has already proven he knows how to spot talent from the spring league. Jake Bates, Jacob Saylors, Nick Whiteside, and Thomas Gordon all made the jump from the UFL to the Lions roster. Now it’s time to see if lightning can strike again.
Edge Cam Gill
Here’s a name Lions fans should remember. Gill spent a couple weeks with Detroit during the 2024 season, so there’s already some familiarity there. This year he led the UFL in sacks and took home Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The guy has legitimate NFL experience too. He even sacked Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl in 2020, which is more than most edge rushers can say. With depth always being a concern, Gill could push for a spot on the 53-man roster.
DT Carlos Davis
The Lions could use more help on the interior defensive line, and Davis fits the bill as an All-UFL run stuffer. He’s got six seasons of NFL experience under his belt, which means he knows what it takes to stick at this level.
The concern? He’s 29 years old, and Holmes tends to skew younger with his pickups. But when you’re looking for a space eater who can contribute in the rotation, age might not matter as much as production.
CB D.J. Miller
This would be a classic Lions move. Miller was in training camp last year but didn’t make the cut for the 53-man roster. He went back to the UFL, had a better season, and earned All-UFL honors.
Holmes has never been shy about giving guys second chances when they’ve shown improvement. Miller proved he could take coaching and get better, which is exactly the kind of player this organization values.
LB Tae Crowder
Crowder led the UFL in tackles in 2026 and made the All-UFL team, so he’s clearly producing at that level. The former seventh-round pick has bounced around the NFL with the Giants, Steelers, Chargers, and Titans.
The Lions could use another linebacker for competition, and Crowder brings both experience and recent production. Sometimes that’s all it takes to earn a camp invite.
WR Chris Rowland
Here’s the guy that makes you scratch your head. Rowland has been the UFL’s best return man for years now, and somehow he still hasn’t gotten a real shot at an NFL training camp.
The Lions just lost Kendrick Law, and Rowland fits exactly what they’re looking for in that role. Special teams production matters, and this guy has proven he can change field position consistently.
Is Holmes about to raid the UFL again or are we setting ourselves up for disappointment when none of these guys pan out? Let me know which player you think has the best shot below.
