Detroit Free Press

Jermar Jefferson may have a bigger role than anticipated in the Detroit Lions backfield. The Lions informed running back Kerryon Johnson that he will be waived Thursday, a person familiar with the decision told the Free Press. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport first reported the move. Johnson, 23, was the team’s second-round draft pick in 2018. He

Darren Fells is back for a second tour with the Detroit Lions. Fells signed a one-year deal with the Lions on Wednesday and should take the retiring Josh Hill’s role as the team’s No. 2 tight end. Hill signed a free agent deal with the Lions in March, but told the team in recent weeks he

Two months after he signed a free-agent deal to join his old position coach in Detroit, Josh Hill is planning to retire from the NFL. Hill, who spent his first eight NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints, has informed the Detroit Lions of his decision to walk away from the game, multiple sources told the Free

When Brad Holmes defied conventional wisdom and took a defensive tackle for the second straight pick on Day 2 of last week’s NFL draft, it apparently caused caught-on-camera friction in the Philadelphia Eagles’ draft room. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said Tuesday in a Philadelphia radio interview that the Eagles had two defensive tackles in

T.J. Hockenson watched his share of pro wrestling growing up. He was a fan of Rey Mysterio and his 619s, and of John Cena, so when his marketing agency asked if he wanted in on a wrestling-themed commercial this spring with his good friend, George Kittle, the Pro Bowl Detroit Lions tight end was quick

The Detroit Lions signed 13 undrafted free agents Monday: • Jonathan Adams, WR, Arkansas State: Adams is a big target at 6-2 and 210 pounds with the ability to win jump balls down field. The reigning Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year, he had 1,111 yards receiving in 2020. He announced his signing

Jon Hale| Louisville Courier Journal LEXINGTON – Kentucky center Drake Jackson did not have to wait long after going undrafted to find an NFL team. Jackson has agreed to terms on a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions, UK confirmed in a news release Sunday. Jackson had been projected as a likely late-round pick

With the 2021 NFL draft written in ink, it’s time to gather grades and analysis from draftniks across the country and see what they’re saying about the Detroit Lions’ haul. A sampling from draft experts shows favorable reviews for new general manager Brad Holmes in his first draft with the Lions. Yes, the rebuild is

Not long after he took Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell with the seventh pick of last week’s NFL draft, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes got a text from his quarterback, Jared Goff. “He was fired up about it,” Holmes told the Free Press early Friday morning. “He should be fired up about it. He’s

Show Caption Hide Caption Penei Sewell: Detroit Lions’ 2021 NFL draft first-round pick Get to know the Detroit Lions’ 2021 NFL draft first-round pick, Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell. Wochit Yes, I gave the Detroit Lions a D for drafting Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell with the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

Not long after he took Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell with the seventh pick of last week’s NFL draft, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes got a text from his quarterback, Jared Goff. “He was fired up about it,” Holmes told the Free Press early Friday morning. “He should be fired up about it. He’s

Levi Onwuzurike went viral Friday night after dropping f-bombs during his post-selection news conference. Credit Sheila Ford Hemp. Not that I have any idea whether the Detroit Lions owner liked Onwuzurike expletive-laced description of what he intends to do as one of the team’s newest defensive tackles. But she is the reason he will be wearing Honolulu blue. Oh, I

The Detroit Lions made seven selections in the 2021 NFL draft, loading up on the trenches with their first three picks. Brad Holmes, the first-year general manager hired in January from the Los Angeles Rams, waited until the fourth round and his fifth pick to select a receiver, after the team’s top-3 wideouts all departed

For 12 or so minutes Thursday, on the most important morning of his professional life, Brad Holmes sat cross-legged on a bath towel beside his bed at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn — his temporary home for the past three months — and envisioned himself on a remote island surrounded by water. Holmes had woke

With the 2021 NFL draft in the books, the Detroit Lions are working on the “eighth” round. The Lions currently have 72 players on their roster, which means they could sign more than a dozen undrafted free agents. Here is a look at players confirmed or reported to be in this year’s class: • Sage

While the debate rages over whether the Detroit Lions landed “a generational player” or simply a solid, if unneeded, offensive line cog in their selection of Oregon tackle Penei Sewell at No. 7 in Thursday’s first round of the NFL draft, we do know this: Their selection is one of the youngest in this year’s

It was a weird start and a furious finish to the 2021 NFL draft for the Detroit Lions. We got three straight linemen the first two days the draft, then some wheeling and dealing to fill needs on Day 3. Now that the draft is in the books, here’s a look at the winners and

Show Caption Hide Caption Why taking Penei Sewell was the ‘right thing to do’ for Detroit Lions Detroit Lions reporter Dave Birkett breaks down why he’s a fan of the team’s draft pick, Penei Sewell, a former Oregon Ducks offensive tackle. Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press A few weeks ago, I was watching ESPN and

The NFL draft was exciting. The Detroit Lions were not. While other teams like Jacksonville were building explosiveness by moving Clemson’s starting backfield into their own, the Lions seemed intent on putting their fan base to sleep. They picked, in order, offensive lineman, defensive lineman, defensive lineman and cornerback, a position they used their high first

The Detroit Lions made sure Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow would stick around through at least the 2022 season when they exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract last week. Their intentions, however, are to keep him around much longer than that. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said Saturday re-signing Ragnow is one of