Allen Park — The Detroit Lions’ 2026 draft class is set. Now, it’s time to focus on undrafted free agents.
While it’s certainly a less glamorous part of draft weekend, it’s certainly relevant. An undrafted free agent made the Lions’ initial 53-man roster in 15 straight years through 2024. The streak ended in 2025, but general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have still had seven undrafted free agents make the 53-man roster since 2021.
Stay up to date with the Lions’ latest UDFA signings here.
QB Luke Altmyer, Illinois (Source): Altmyer saw limited opportunties at Ole Miss (2021-22) but was a three-year starter at Illinois (2025-25). In his fifth year, Altmyer completed 67.4% of his passes for 3,007 yards and 22 touchdowns with five interceptions. He also had 242 rushing yards and an additional five scores.
TE Miles Kitselman, Tennessee (Source): Kitselman started his collegiate career at Hutchinson Community College (2021) before making stops at Alabama (2022-23) and Tennessee (2024-25). He caught 48 passes for 554 yards and six touchdowns with the Vols.
CB De’Shawn Rucker, USF (Source): Rucker played three seasons at Tennessee (2021-23) and two at South Florida (2024-25). He was a two-year starter for the Bulls. In 2025, he recorded 58 tackles (1½ for loss), four pass deflections and an interception.
ED Anthony Lucas, USC (Source): Lucas, a native of Haiti, didn’t play football until high school, but quickly became a five-star recruit for Texas A&M. He transferred to USC after one season and started 19 games over three seasons. He recorded three sacks on 21 pressures, 37 tackles and 3½ tackles-for-loss.
ED Eric O’Neill, Rutgers (Source): O’Neill spent three years with FCS-level Long Island University before transferring to James Madison in 2024, then going up in competition again with Rutgers in 2025. Over two seasons in FBS, O’Neill had 28 tackles-for-loss with 15 sacks and 100 pressures.
nbianchi@detroitnews.com, rsilva@detroitnews.com
@nolanbianchi, @rich_silva18
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Lions UDFA tracker: See who signed after 2026 NFL Draft
Reporting by Nolan Bianchi and Richard Silva, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
