Last season, Tom Kennedy - who has been with the Detroit Lions since back in 2019 - had a breakout performance.
Against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14, Kennedy had a fantastic game on special teams. As SideLion Report writer Michael Colwander succinctly wrote about Kennedy's impact in this game and his future with Detroit:
"Kennedy was only on the field for five offensive snaps and was not targeted once. Yet, he was one of the most important players to put on the Lions' uniform on Sunday. Between his impact blocking on special teams for Saylors and his own returns, Kennedy consistently gave the Lions great field position. With the Lions' playoff hopes still teetering on the balance and injuries aplenty, the "no-name guys" need to step up. If Kennedy keeps this up, it may not be long before this "no-name" becomes a household name outside of Michigan."
Kennedy has an opportunity to get back to this level for the Lions in OTAs and camp, as Kalif Raymond is no longer with the team. With his departure in free agency, Kennedy's never had a clearer runway towards a permanent roster spot with the Lions as their main returner for 2026. His experience and flashes from 2025 should couple to make him the teams' best potential option on this front.
Kennedy could land firmly on Lions depth chart with huge performance in OTAs
With Raymond's departure, the Lions returners consistent of Kennedy, Jacob Saylors, Sione Vaki, and Greg Dortch. Dortch could present the greatest threat to Kennedy's path as he was brought in by Drew Petzing from the Arizona Cardinals.
In 12 games played as a returner for Arizona in 2025, Dortch had 185 return yards on 16 attempts, and 811 kickoff return yards on 31 attempts. That was the best of his career. Petzing obviously sees the potential for him in this Lions offense and special teams unit, hence the signing.
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Kennedy's numbers don't stack up as neatly against Dortch's, although he wasn't utilized nearly enough as a returner in 2025 because of Saylors. The free agent had quickly established himself as a speedy pass catcher and running back following a great season in the UFL, and he very easily stole some snaps from the rest of the Lions' return unit - including Kennedy - because of it.
If Kennedy wants to solidify himself as a key cog to this Lions offense with his returner capabilities, he'll have to bounce Dortch and potentially Saylors on the depth chart. Only fantastic performances during OTAs and a great preseason showing from him can make that happen. If his game against Dallas is any indication, this sort of push is well within his wheelhouse.
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