Lions Begin Offseason Roster Moves After Playoff Loss to Commanders

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions are regrouping after a disappointing 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional playoffs, ending their hopes of a Super Bowl run. The No. 1 seed in the NFC fell short at home, prompting the team to shift focus to the offseason and prepare for the 2025 season.

On Monday, the Lions began assembling their 90-man roster by signing 11 players from the practice squad to reserve/future contracts. Among the signings was safety Morice Norris, who re-signed with the team. Norris, a rookie cornerback, was ineligible for a reserve/futures deal due to his active roster status but would have been designated as an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA).

Norris, 24, unexpectedly played 22 defensive snaps in Saturday’s playoff loss, stepping in for injured safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. The Fresno State product recorded three combined tackles and allowed two completions in limited action. Prior to the playoffs, Norris had only appeared on special teams in the Lions’ final two regular-season games against the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings.

Signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL Draft, Norris’ journey with the Lions has been tumultuous. He was waived with an injury during training camp, placed on injured reserve in August, and later given an injury settlement. However, the Lions re-signed him to the practice squad in late September and promoted him to the active roster in December. After being waived on New Year’s Eve, Norris returned to the practice squad on Jan. 2 and was signed to the active roster two days later.

The Lions also announced futures contracts for several other players, including linebacker Abraham Beauplan, wide receiver Tom Kennedy, defensive tackle Chris Smith, and offensive tackle Jamarco Jones. These deals, which do not count against the salary cap or roster total until the new league year begins, prevent the players from negotiating with other teams.

Beauplan, who joined the Lions in August, appeared in three games this season, exclusively on special teams. Kennedy, a Lions veteran since 2019, saw one target in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears. Smith, a Detroit native, recorded two tackles and a quarterback hit in five games. Jones, signed after his release from the Tennessee Titans, logged four snaps this season.

Other signings included defensive end Issac Ukwu, who started in Week 7 against the Vikings and finished the season with three tackles, and safety Loren Strickland, who played in seven games, all on special teams. Cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver appeared in Week 18 and the playoff loss, primarily on special teams. Center Kingsley Eguakun, linebacker DaRon Gilbert, and safety Erick Hallett did not see any playing time this season.

As the Lions look ahead to 2025, the team will evaluate its depth and roster options, hoping to build on this season’s successes and address its shortcomings.