Shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions brought in a new quarterback.
Former Illinois starter Luke Altmyer signed with the team as an undrafted free agent, according to multiple reports.
After transferring from Ole Miss in December 2022, Altmyer started 35 games for the Illini. During his three-year tenure in Champaign, he completed 64.4% of his pass attempts, throwing for 7,607 yards and 57 touchdowns. He also tossed 21 interceptions.
He will join a roster that has just two quarterbacks on it: starter Jared Goff and veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater. Goff hasn’t missed a game since Week 17 of the 2021 season. In 2025, he logged 98.5% of the team’s offensive snaps at quarterback. The 33-year-old Bridgewater, meanwhile, just began his third stint with the organization after signing with the Lions in March.
Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions reportedly sign former Illinois QB Luke Altmyer
Reporting by Rainer Sabin, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
