Lions expected to sign UFL offensive lineman from Michigan Panthers

After losing guard Netane Muti to a significant shoulder injury during Tuesday's practice, the Detroit Lions are adding a new offensive lineman, As first reported by James Larsen of Pro Football Network, and confirmed by Tony Paul of the Detroit News, the Lions are planning to sign offensive lineman Jake Burton.

This past season, Burton played in 11 games for the Panthers exclusively at left guard, posting top-10 Pro Football grades among UFL guards both overall (64.6; seventh) and as a pass blocker (74.6; eighth). Prior that he spent two years with the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL, playing right guard, right tackle and bit at left tackle. Uniquely, the Panthers and the Stars both played their home games at Ford Field in Detroit.

The Lions had Burton in for a workout on the same day as the recently signed Ike Boettger, so they clearly kept him on their list of options if they had a need for depth during training camp. Rookie guard Christian Mahogany is also sidelined, apparently without a clear return timetable, with an illness.

Jake Burton has a tie to the Lions' coaching staff

Jake Burton spent four years of his college career (2016-2019) at UCLA before transferring to Baylor for his final year in 2020. At UCLA in 2017, he overlapped with Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley.

Burton landed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2021, but he did not make the team. The USFL created an opportunity for him with the Philadelphia Stars in 2022 and 2023, before that league merged with the XFL to make the UFL in 2024.

Burton fits the definition of a camp body, with remote odds to make the Lions' 53-man roster. But his versatility, having played at least a little at every position but center going back to his college days, makes him a little more interesting than an offensive line depth signing a week into training camp would ordinarily be.