The Detroit Lions quickly went to work after the NFL draft, signing players on both sides of the ball including a big investment in one sought-after defensive lineman.
As Lions reporter Mike Klis noted in a post on X, Detroit filled out their defensive line with a former Notre Dame standout. While undrafted free agents often face a difficult task in making the final roster, this signing comes with a big financial advantage.
Lions Land Aidan Keanaaina With Big Contract
As Klis reported, the Lions signed defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina, who has already gotten a six-figure guarantee from the team.
“Per source, Notre Dame DL Aidan Keanaaina of Brighton, Colorado and Mullen HS has undrafted agreement with Detroit Lions. Received $300,000 guarantee,” Klis wrote.
Benjamin Raven of MLive.com predicted that Keanaaina would still be fighting for a roster spot, noting that the team made plenty of additions to their defensive line.
“On the interior, the Lions added a great fit for their defense with the twitchy Skyler Gill-Howard in the sixth round,” Raven wrote. “He can push the issue from the interior. He is an experienced player noted for his leadership and high-motor style. The Lions needed more for the interior, especially with Levi Onwuzurike bouncing to the outside some.”
Lions Land More Defensive Linemen
The Lions addressed more defensive line needs in the NFL draft, taking edge rushers Derrick Moore in the second round and Tyre West in the seventh round and defensive lineman Sykler Gill-Howard in the sixth round.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the team is looking for support for star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
âHutch takes a lot of snaps, man,â Holmes said, via MLive.com. âJust to have another body that literally can spell Hutch in that rush rotation. When you line up in nickel and sub-defense, a guy that can line up on the opposite, a guy that can line up inside. (Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard) Shep is going to put the guys in the best positions to do what they do best, and thatâs what he showed on tape — he can set edges in the run game. He can rush outside. He can rush inside.
âIâm quite sure thatâs how Sheppâs going to utilize him.â
The Lions are looking for a rapid rebuild after missing the playoffs last season, and have some holes to fill on defense. They lost defensive lineman Al-Quadain Muhammad to free agency, their most productive pass rusher outside of Hutchinson. He had 10.5 sacks last season, making it difficult for the Lions to replace.
Raven predicted that Moore could step into a significant role.
“Moore might not start out of the gates, but itâs another position the Lions did well to improve the competition,” Raven wrote. “Wonnumâs one-year deal doesnât lock him into anything. Moore has a great chance to work in tandem with a veteran and finally join forces with Hutchinson in the NFL after missing him in Ann Arbor. He was the teamâs highest draft pick on an edge defender since Josh Paschal in 2022.”
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