The Detroit Lions have shifted their focus to evaluating their roster as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season.
Some players who finished the 2024 season on the practice squad have not been re-signed.
This group includes wide receiver Maurice Alexander, linebacker Kwon Alexander, running back Jermar Jefferson, tight end James Mitchell, and wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Despite the Lions acquiring Peoples-Jones via trade last year, the veteran wideout played a limited role in Ben Johnson’s offense, spending the majority of the 2024 season on the practice squad.
Maurice Alexander was brought in during the season to address depth issues in the linebacking unit. Injuries to Malcolm Rodriguez, Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barnes left significant gaps in Aaron Glenn’s defense, prompting Alexander’s addition.
Futures contracts are typically offered to free agents not currently on a team’s 53-man active roster.
On Monday, the Lions signed 11 players to futures contracts, including quarterback Jake Fromm, safety Erick Hallett, wide receiver Tom Kennedy, offensive tackle Jamarco Jones, safety Loren Strickland, cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver, linebackers DaRon Gilbert and Abraham Beauplan, edge rusher Isaac Ukwu, defensive tackle Chris Smith, and offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun.
Additionally, safety Morice Norris, who was ineligible for a futures contract, was signed to the active roster. Norris, who spent time on Detroit’s practice squad, contributed to the Lions’ defense late in the season.
