The Detroit Lions have wrapped up the 2026 NFL draft, finding basically all of their biggest needs within the three days of the draft. While it seems like they basically found everything they needed through the process, there's still an entire class of undrafted players that can now be signed as free agents ahead of camp and the preseason.
Detroit's found some great depth pieces through this process, signing Jackson Meeks last year and still rostering him currently. They could still use some depth pieces at tight end, defensive back, and quarterback to add competition to those thinner groups.
We'll update this post with additional names signed by the team, but as of an hour or so after the draft's conclusion, the Lions have signed two UDFAs to deals.
Lions make slew of moves after 2026 NFL Draft
TE Miles Kitselman signed a deal with the Lions shortly after the draft, per Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated. Kitselman had just 26 receptions in his final year with the Tennessee Volunteers, and picked up 253 receiving yards. NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein projected him as a special teams addition or an average backup.
The Lions also signed USF CB De’Shawn Rucker, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. This adds another player to their DB room. Rucker had 58 total tackles, four passes defended, and one interception in his last year with USF. He had an excellent pro day, which boosted his stock significantly throughout the pre-draft process. Detroit obviously took notice.
At quarterback, the Lions signed Illinois' Luke Altmyer, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, The signal caller finished up his career with the Fightin' Illini with 3,007 passing yards in addition to 22 passing touchdowns, only five interceptions, and a 67.4 completion rate. Detroit needed another person in their QB room after losing Kyle Allen, and this is a good fit.
We will continue to update this post with more signings as they become official.
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