When the final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft faded into the background, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell didn’t exhale — they went hunting. The Detroit Lions’ undrafted free agent class isn’t a collection of leftovers; it’s a blueprint for how this franchise continues to forge depth through grit, hunger, and blue‑collar resolve. Nine signings, each with a chip on their shoulder and a story that fits Detroit’s DNA, now step into Allen Park ready to fight for roster spots.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer — Illinois
Altmyer headlines the offensive additions. A three‑year starter for Illinois, he completed 67.4 percent of his passes for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2025. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient — a rhythm passer with mobility and poise. Detroit views him as a developmental QB3 behind Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater, a player who can absorb Drew Petzing’s system and grow into a reliable backup. Altmyer’s calm command and Big Ten pedigree fit the Lions’ preference for smart, tough competitors who don’t flinch under pressure.
Tight End Miles Kitselman — Tennessee
Kitselman’s path from Alabama transfer to Tennessee starter mirrors the Lions’ ethos: adapt, grind, and earn it. At 6′5″, 255 pounds, he’s a blocking‑first tight end who caught 48 passes for 554 yards and six touchdowns last season. Detroit’s tight‑end room already features Sam LaPorta and Tyler Conklin, but Kitselman’s physicality and special‑teams value give him a legitimate shot to stick. He’s the kind of player Campbell loves — a trench fighter who treats every snap like a collision.
Guard Melvin Priestly — Illinois
Priestly is another Big Ten grinder. With 26 starts and only two sacks allowed on 288 pass sets, he’s a technician with leverage and balance. Detroit’s offensive line is elite, but depth matters. Priestly’s ability to play guard or center makes him a versatile insurance policy. His tape screams consistency — no wasted motion, no panic, just steady hands and a low pad level. In a room led by Frank Ragnow and Jonah Jackson, Priestly’s work ethic will fit seamlessly.
Cornerback De’Shawn Rucker — South Florida
Rucker brings speed (4.38 40-time) and length to a secondary that thrives on aggression. He posted 58 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception in 2025. His special‑teams experience could be his ticket to the 53‑man roster. Detroit’s defensive backs coach Brian Duker values versatility, and Rucker’s ability to play outside or nickel gives him a fighting chance. He’s raw, but his motor and tackling form are pure Lions football — relentless pursuit, no fear of contact.
Defensive Back Aamaris Brown — UNLV
Brown is a physical press corner with a safety’s mindset. At 5′11″, 195 pounds, he plays bigger than his frame and isn’t afraid to mix it up in run support. Detroit’s staff loves his attitude — a grinder who doesn’t care about draft status, only opportunity. Brown’s special‑teams prowess and willingness to hit make him a dark‑horse candidate to carve out a role. In a defense built on communication and toughness, he’s a natural fit.
Defensive Tackle Aidan Keanaaina — California
Keanaaina might be the most intriguing UDFA of the bunch. With $300,000 in guaranteed money, Detroit clearly sees him as more than a camp body. At 6′3″, 315 pounds, he’s a powerful interior run defender who wins with leverage and hand placement. His tape shows a player who can anchor against double teams and collapse pockets. The Lions’ defensive front thrives on rotation, and Keanaaina’s ability to eat space could earn him early snaps. He’s a classic Motor City mold — heavy hands, heavy effort, no excuses.
Edge Rusher Anthony Lucas — USC
Lucas was once a five‑star recruit, and Detroit’s staff believes they can unlock that potential. He recorded 37 tackles and three sacks in 2025, flashing burst and bend off the edge. The Lions’ defensive line coach John Scott Jr. emphasizes violent hands and relentless pursuit — traits Lucas shows in flashes. If he can translate raw athleticism into consistent production, he could become a rotational weapon behind Aidan Hutchinson and Derrick Moore. Lucas embodies the Lions’ developmental philosophy: find talent others gave up on and turn it into gold.
Edge Rusher Eric O’Neill — Rutgers
O’Neill is pure motor. With 15 sacks and 28 tackles for loss over two FBS seasons, he’s a relentless rusher who wins with effort and angles. Detroit values that kind of energy — it’s contagious. O’Neill’s frame (6′3″, 250 pounds) and burst make him a candidate for special‑teams and sub‑package roles. He’s not a finished product, but his production speaks for itself. In a locker room that rewards hustle, O’Neill’s intensity will stand out.
Linebacker Erick Hunter — Morgan State
Hunter received $175,000 in guaranteed money, signaling Detroit’s belief in his upside. He’s a steady, instinctive linebacker with range and leadership traits. At 6′1″, 230 pounds, he moves well laterally and diagnoses plays quickly. Hunter’s tape shows a player who trusts his reads and finishes tackles. He’s the kind of underdog Campbell loves — a player who doesn’t blink when the lights come on. Expect him to compete for a special‑teams role and push for depth behind Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes.
The Bigger Picture
Detroit’s UDFA class isn’t about filling holes; it’s about reinforcing culture. Every player signed fits the Lions’ mantra: grit, discipline, and relentless effort. Holmes and Campbell have built a roster that values attitude as much as athleticism. These nine signings reflect that philosophy — players who weren’t handed anything, who must earn every snap.
The Lions’ roster sits at 87 players, leaving room for a few more additions before camp. But the message is clear: competition drives growth. Detroit doesn’t want passengers; it wants fighters. The UDFA class will join a locker room where effort is currency and toughness is non‑negotiable.
Strategic Emphasis
Six of the nine signings are defensive players, underscoring Holmes’ commitment to building depth behind the starters. The Lions’ defense took major strides in 2025, but the front office knows sustained success requires rotational strength. The focus on edge rushers and defensive backs reflects a league‑wide trend — speed and versatility win games. Detroit’s staff is betting that at least one of these undrafted defenders will emerge as a contributor, continuing a tradition that’s seen UDFAs make the 53‑man roster in 15 of the last 16 years.
The Money Trail
Guaranteed money tells the story of priority. Keanaaina’s $300K and Hunter’s $175K deals indicate Detroit’s confidence in their potential. Those figures aren’t handed out lightly; they represent investment. Holmes has consistently used guaranteed money to lure high‑upside UDFAs who might otherwise sign elsewhere. It’s a strategy that’s paid off before — think of players like Brock Wright and Jerry Jacobs, who turned UDFA opportunities into meaningful roles.
Cultural Continuity
Dan Campbell’s influence is unmistakable. Every player added this offseason — drafted or undrafted — fits his vision of football as a test of will. The Lions don’t chase headlines; they chase effort. The UDFA class embodies that mindset. Altmyer’s poise, Kitselman’s toughness, Priestly’s steadiness, and the defensive group’s aggression all reinforce the identity that’s made Detroit one of the NFL’s most respected rebuilds.
Outlook
Training camp will separate contenders from pretenders, but don’t be surprised if one or two of these undrafted players make noise early. The Lions’ track record with UDFAs is strong, and this group has the traits to continue that trend. Whether it’s Keanaaina anchoring the interior, Hunter flying around on special teams, or Lucas flashing off the edge, Detroit’s undrafted class could once again produce contributors who embody the franchise’s core value: grit.
Final Word
The 2026 Detroit Lions UDFA class isn’t glamorous, but it’s authentic — a reflection of a team that’s built success the hard way. These players weren’t drafted, but they were chosen. They represent the next wave of Lions who’ll fight for every inch, every snap, every chance to prove they belong. In Detroit, that’s not just football — it’s identity.
Steel and sweat. That’s the Lions way.
