JALEN REEVES-MAYBIN

The Detroit Lions have now lost two players in free agency, with wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Detroit added receiver DJ Chark in free agency, and re-signed Kalif Raymond and Josh Reynolds. Hodge was acquired via waivers early in the season, then took more than a 50% pay cut to stay in Detroit. Hodge’s most memorable play in Detroit came on a go-ahead two-point conversion catch in the final minutes against the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions eventually lost that game, but it was an impressive play for the oft-used wide receiver in a tough spot.

The Detroit Lions are signing linebacker Chris Board to a one-year deal per the NFL Network. He’s developed into a key special teams player. Board’s 11 tackles on special teams were among the most in the league last season. The Lions reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with former first-round cornerback Mike Hughes. “He’s becoming a really good inside linebacker,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Board at one point.

The Detroit Lions are also re-signing quarterback David Blough, according to ESPN. Blough is the seventh player Detroit has re-signed in the last week, and the second quarterback, joining fellow backup Tim Boyle. That includes big extensions for safety Tracy Walker (three years, $25 million) and pass rusher Charles Harris (two years, $14 million). The only player Detroit has lost in free agency is Jalen Reeves-Maybin, a special teams standout who just agreed to a two-year deal with Houston that is worth $7.5 million and includes $5 million in guarantees. With Reeves-Maybin out in Detroit, the book is closed on the Lions’ 2017 draft class.

The first day of free agency negotiations is well underway, and quite a bit of money has been sent around to get the week started. Quandre Diggs re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks for a reported $40 million deal over three seasons. The agreement includes a $20 million signing bonus, and the salary goes from $1.5 million to $15.5 million in Year 2. This post will continue to update as more signings and happenings occur:2022 NFL free agency tracker: Latest signings, trades, contract info for all 32 teams -- NFL.comCould Baker Mayfield get traded? Hilton: I’m A Free Agent, So If You Want Me, Come Get Me -- Pro Football TalkJacksonville Jaguars make free agency splash, land Brandon Scherff, Christian Kirk -- Florida Times-UnionPackers Re-Signing All-Pro Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell -- Sports IllustratedJaguars’ free agency moves point toward Aidan Hutchinson at No.

This is the fifth of a seven-part series previewing the Detroit Lions’ positional needs heading into free agency. The Lions haven’t had a real playmaker at the second level since, what, DeAndre Levy right? And no one has come within 19 tackles or 18 solo tackles of the 151/117 line that Levy put up in his standout 2014 season. Because even as he nears his 32nd birthday, Wagner is a fit for just about anyone. He also picked off three passes, one of which clinched a win against Detroit in Week 16, and sacked two quarterbacks.

Devin Lloyd (Utah) and Nakobe Dean (Georgia) are considered the top linebackers on the board. But a tougher situation at the top or bottom of Day 1 action, with Lloyd and Dean projected somewhere between. Dean and Lloyd are all over the board in mock drafts from around the country. In his most recent mock, ESPN’s Mel Kiper had Lloyd at Pick 7 to the New York Giants. In their most recent offering, Pro Football Focus had Lloyd at Pick 16 to Philadelphia and Dean at Pick 28 to Tennessee.

Anzalone added 78 tackles, one sack and seven pass deflections but also missed a whopping 21 tackles. Fourth-round rookie Derrick Barnes added 42 tackles and two sacks in a rotational role. Ben’s grade: DBreakdown: This team’s coaching staff loves Reeves-Maybin, and it’s easy to envision him back in Detroit in 2022. He and Anzalone head into the offseason without contracts, leaving the team with Barnes and Curtis Bolton. Pro Football Focus had Barnes ranked as the third-worst linebacker in the league with enough snaps to qualify.

Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes in the first half and sat out the second half with nothing at stake as the Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers 37-30.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions want safety Tracy Walker back next season. But once he gets around to it in the offseason, the decision on Walker will be a big one. And the one thing he’s done, he’s bought into everything that we’re trying to get done in this defense as far as a safety’s perspective, and he’s grown. He’s grown in that, and he’s also become a leader as far as linebackers, as far as getting everybody together and watching some tape. Again, they are one of the captains of our team because of the communication we ask them to do, and he’s going to continue to grow.

Dan Campbell has already shown himself to be an aggressive coach.

The Detroit Lions (2-12-1) brought another game into the final minutes, with quarterback Tim Boyle throwing a late interception in their 20-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons (7-8) in Week 16. Boyle started in place of quarterback Jared Goff, who could not clear COVID protocols after testing positive to start the week. Boyle and the Lions had their fair share of chances to take control of this one, or at least give themselves a better chance. When the Falcons took a 20-13 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Lions went down the field on a 17-play drive lasting 10 minutes, 26 seconds. Detroit took over at Atlanta’s 37-yard line, trailing 20-16 with a little more than two minutes on the clock.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions were blanked from the NFC Pro Bowl roster this season, with four players named alternates at their positions. Injured tight end T.J. Hockenson, offensive guard Jonah Jackson, fullback Jason Cabinda and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin are the alternates. Hockenson made the Pro Bowl last year, with center Frank Ragnow and punter Jack Fox joining him. The third-year tight end recently underwent season-ending thumb surgery. Cabinda is a multi-faceted contributor, with the converted linebacker seeing work at fullback, tight end and on special teams.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions will be without running back D’Andre Swift for the third straight week due to his shoulder injury. Edge defender Julian Okwara (ankle) will join Swift on the sideline, missing his second straight game. Lions coach Dan Campbell said it’s unlikely they’ll get anyone back from that list despite the league making changes to protocols. Without Swift and Williams in the backfield, it should be another weekend of Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson. Shane Zylstra has been elevated from the practice squad, with the tight end catching two of six targets for 18 yards last week.

The Detroit Lions have ruled out their Pro Bowl tight end for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. Hockenson is dealing with a hand injury he suffered in the win last week against Minnesota. Hockenson’s injury is yet another hit for a roster that has been decimated by injury and illness. That’s 11 players who have been knocked out, and that doesn’t account for the 11 players who are injured reserve. The bad news is the Lions are still without 22 players due to illness or injury, leaving Dan Campbell and his staff in a tough spot as they pursue their second win of the season.

DENVER -- The COVID outbreak isn’t over yet. The Detroit Lions moved linebacker Tavante Beckett to the COVID list on Saturday afternoon, the seventh player to land on the list this week. That makes this the largest COVID outbreak since the start of the pandemic for Detroit. Another 12 players are questionable, which means 43% of the roster -- nearly half -- either will not play in Denver or will do so banged up. Considering the roster wasn’t all that good to begin with, the Lions figure to field a team that is barely recognizable on Sunday.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions added cornerbacks Mark Gilbert and Ifeatu Melifonwu to the COVID reserve list, bringing the total to six cases on the week. Gilbert and Melifonwu join center Evan Brown, safety Tracy Walker, running back Jamaal Williams and cornerback Bobby Price on the COVID list. They have cornerbacks Corey Ballentine, Parnell Motley and Nickell Robey-Coleman on the practice squad, with a handful of moves expected Saturday afternoon. Walker landing on the COVID list could lead to even more shuffling by necessity in the defensive backfield. It’s also looking bare in the offensive backfield, with Swift and Williams down, not to mention in the defensive trenches.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have placed running back Jamaal Williams and safety Tracy Walker on the COVID reserve list. They also officially ruled out running back D’Andre Swift (shoulder) and listed tight end T.J. Hockenson (hand) as doubtful. Williams handled the bulk of the work with Swift missing the team’s game last week, running 17 times for 71 yards in the win. “It’s, we kind have talked about this, it’s the versatility,” Lions tight end coach Ben Johnson said of Cabinda. For a big tight end, er fullback, you just don’t see much of that.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are likely staring down another weekend without D’Andre Swift in the lineup, with the running back missing another practice on Friday. Swift missed last week’s game with a shoulder injury and hasn’t practiced this week, with Lions coach Dan Campbell saying it’s unlikely he plays against the Denver Broncos in Week 14. “I would say it’s unlikely,” Campbell said of Swift. “Get them out of the infirmary and see if we can get a good practice and get ready for Denver here. Igwebuike had only two carries for 8 yards, but his lone reception for 13 yards was one of the game’s most important plays.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions (0-10-1) and their quest for that first win of the season continues, with the Minnesota Vikings (5-6) coming to Ford Field in Week 13. Williams ran 15 times for 65 yards, catching five passes for 18 yards last week against the Bears last week. Pro Football Focus has him allowing 13 catches on 15 targets for 155 yards and one touchdown in coverage. Lions QB Jared Goff vs. Vikings S Harrison SmithHarrison Smith’s first interception of the season last week was so smooth that he earned a spot on the matchup to watch list. The Vikings limited the third-year tight end to two catches for 22 yards in Week 5.

Rookie right tackle Penei Sewell was limited by a shoulder injury at practice on Friday, and the Detroit Lions have announced he is questionable to play on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. He’s played 709 offensive snaps overall while splitting time at left and right tackle, which trails only Jonah Jackson on the team. On opening day, he became the youngest player ever to start at left tackle. That was part of a two-game slide where Sewell allowed four sacks in two weeks. Edge defender Trey Flowers (knee) also will miss the game, while defensive lineman Michael Brockers (knee) and offensive tackle Matt Nelson (ankle) are questionable.

ALLEN PARK -- Prized rookie offensive tackle Penei Sewell was spotted back at Detroit Lions practice after missing Wednesday’s session with an illness. Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge was also back on the practice field after missing yesterday with an illness too. Running back D’Andre Swift (shoulder), edge defender Trey Flowers (knee), linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) and cornerback Bobby Price (shoulder) were not spotted. “I like the depth of our backfield,” Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn said. Flowers has been out since the team’s tie in Pittsburgh, missing four games this season due to multiple injuries.

Cairo Santos made a 28-yard game-ending field goal to give the Chicago Bears a 16-14 win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin has waited more than four years for this opportunity, with the former special teams ace being a bright spot coming out of the team’s latest loss. Reeves-Maybin was relegated to special teams through his first four years, with the former regime preferring beefier linebackers in the middle of the defense. He started three games down the stretch in 2019, getting a look on ex-coach Matt Patricia’s defense before returning to his regular role on special teams. While it can be easy to overlook one’s special team’s contributions, Reeves-Maybin was a very good and consistent piece for that group. “It’ll be better when we start getting some wins, so you know, I’m just trying to do my part and staying to stack the win column.

The Detroit Lions lost 19-17 to the Minnesota Vikings on a last-second 54-yard field goal, with both trading blows in the frantic final minutes of this low-scoring NFC North game. Detroit’s offense needed only three snaps to score, with Lions running back D’Andre Swift scoring on the ground from 7 yards. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said he usually doesn’t watch last-second kicks, muttering “Make this, blankety-blank” when his team is trying. The Vikings played well enough to win and we didn’t play well enough to win. We got the right guys.

DETROIT -- A loss that feels like it could only happen to the Detroit Lions. No one in the history of the game has ever hit a field goal from there. I’ve never seen anything quite like it, which is saying a lot, because I’ve covered the Detroit Lions since 2013. -- Calvin Johnson made his long-awaited, highly anticipated return to Ford Field for a halftime ceremony honoring his enshrinement into the Hall of Fame. I don’t know of a single time he’s step foot into Ford Field for a Lions game since his retirement more than a half-decade ago, or even the club’s Allen Park training facility.

The Lions are exploring trades for veteran starter Jamie Collins, with any potential move pushing rookie Derrick Barnes and Reeves-Maybin into more prominent roles. “We felt like it was time for Barnes and Reeves-Maybin to play more,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. There again, Reeves(-Maybin) is going to play, too, and he’s going to help us on defense, as well. The Lions also have Anthony Pittman and new-addition Josh Woods in that room with Barnes, Reeves-Maybin and Anzalone (and Collins, for now). Tavante Beckett’s name came up as a possibility for promotion and some snaps on special teams from Campbell and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp on Thursday.

ALLEN PARK -- The preseason doesn’t matter, which is refreshing news for the winless Detroit Lions. With that said, here’s our second projection of where the roster stands heading into the final preseason game on Friday against Indianapolis. The Lions have to get their 85-man roster down to 80 players by 4 p.m. Tuesday, before the final cut to 53 on Aug. 31. And with depth still an issue at so many positions, it’s not like Detroit really needs the roster spot elsewhere anyway. Secondary (10)In: CB Jeff Okudah, CB Amani Oruwariye, CB Mike Ford, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB A.J.

Detroit fortified its depth in the secondary by signing Nickell Robey-Coleman to a one-year deal after a workout in Allen Park. Instead, the club settled for a field goal and then proceeded to lose to Los Angeles as time expired. -- No position has been hit harder than receiver, where Tyrell Williams (groin/dislocated finger), Breshad Perriman (hip), Quintez Cephus (head) and Damion Ratley (unknown) have all missed time in recent days. -- The Lions moved Monday’s practice indoors due to a torrential downpour that hit the area as practice was about to start. He flexed it on Monday when he uncorked a pass to Tyrell Williams that traveled more than 60 yards through the air, by far his longest pass of camp.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions will have two new players on the field when they return from their off day on Monday, activating linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin from the COVID list and signing receiver Darius Jennings. Reeves-Maybin is a special teams standout who was signed to a one-year contract by the new regime, and could vie for time in the new defensive system as well, which is prioritizing speed more than the last one did. But that has all been on hold while he dealt with a COVID issue that has kept him off the field since the start of camp. He’s one of three Lions players landing on the list, along with defensive tackle Nick Williams and offensive lineman Evan Heim. “Man, that guy, we were excited to get him back because we know what he can do from a level on special teams for us,” head coach Dan Campbell said back in April.

DETROIT -- Nick Williams’ strong training camp has come to halt. The Lions announced on Saturday morning they’ve moved the defensive tackle to the COVID list. And with fellow defensive tackles like Michael Brockers and John Penisini not practicing in recent days, numbers are lean at the position. The Lions have signed two more defensive tackles to help fortify the depth on the interior of their defensive line, inking P.J. Barnett is a former Georgia defensive tackle who went undrafted in 2020.

ALLEN PARK -- Dan Campbell pointed to the safeties and inside linebackers when asked what he thought his team’s most important position battles were in the early stages of training camp. I would say inside linebacker first, then I would say safety position,” Campbell said. He’s been a special teams fixture for the Lions, logging 553 snaps in that department over the previous two seasons. Marlowe brings five years of experience and some recent success to the table, standing as the team’s most notable offseason addition to the safety room. Box linebacker, box safety.

ALLEN PARK -- More than 80% of the Detroit Lions’ roster has now been vaccinated, along with the entire coaching staff, although that hasn’t stopped the club from having some COVID issues heading into the start of training camp. The Lions announced on Wednesday morning they’re placing linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin to the COVID list. The move comes just three days after the club placed offensive lineman Evan Heim on the list. It’s unclear whether the players tested positive for the virus or, they’re unvaccinated and came into close contact with an infected person. Detroit announced it has also placed offensive lineman Evan Brown on non-football injury list.

You’d be hard-pressed to find another organization that has undergone more change than your Detroit Lions. Today, those very new-look Lions open training camp in Allen Park. When it comes to inside linebackers, most eyes in training camp will be on rookie Derrick Barnes, then the development and deployment of Jahlani Tavai and Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Tavai has been regarded as one of the worst linebackers in football, struggling like none other in pass coverage. Roster projection: Jamie Collins, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Jahlani Tavai, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Trey Flowers (EDGE), Romeo Okwara (EDGE), Charles Harris (EDGE), Julian Okwara (EDGE)

ALLEN PARK -- Austin Bryant and Jalen Reeves-Maybin are former fourth-round picks who are trying to finally break out under the new regime. Reeves-Maybin, a linebacker, left Day 1 of the Detroit Lions’ minicamp with a heel injury, while Bryant, a defensive end, didn’t show up at all after suffering a minor injury during Organized Team Activities. “(Bryant) just had a minor little injury last week,” head coach Dan Campbell said. We expect him to be ready to go for training camp, full tilt, no problem. He’s missed more games (22) than he’s played (10) in his two seasons in Detroit, and is still looking for his first career sack.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are dipping their toes into Dan Campbell’s connections, signing ex-Saints linebacker Alex Anzalone to a one-year deal worth $1.75 million per the NFL Network. Outside of the team retaining Jalen Reeves-Maybin, the linebacker room has experienced nothing but departures in recent weeks. Anzalone is the first addition, joining Lions linebackers Jamie Collins, Jahlani Tavai and Shaun Dion Hamilton. Anzalone is the second former Saints player to land in Detroit, joining tight end Josh Hill. Related: Detroit Lions reportedly hosting ex-Falcons safety Damontae Kazee on free-agent visitAnzalone has dealt with injuries since going in 2017′s third round to New Orleans but has shown athletic flashes when on the field.

We love his football intangibles. There is a role for him, he’s tough, he’s smart, he’s a team guy -- all the things that we’ve talked about. “The three guys that we have, really, in today that are all currently getting physicals is Michael Brockers, Jamaal Williams and then Tim Boyle. I’d say this about Brockers -- he’s probably one of the few in this league that can wield the hammer of Thor. This guy, there’s three things that I think about with Jared Goff; he’s tough, he’s durable and most importantly, he’s a winner.

The rebuilding Detroit Lions have bolstered their backfield in free agency in one of a series of moves by first-year general manager Brad Holmes. Running back Jamaal Williams agreed to sign with the Lions, according to a person familiar with the situation. Days after he agreed to a $39 million, three-year contract, the team announced defensive end Romeo Okwara signed a contract extension on Wednesday. Green Bay drafted Williams out of BYU in the fourth round in 2017 and he had a solid run with the team. The long-suffering franchise agreed to trade quarterback Matthew Stafford in January to the Los Angeles Rams for quarterback Jared Goff, two first-round draft picks, and a third-round pick.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions’ 2017 draft class was never very good. Now it’s on its death bed with Jarrad Davis and Jamal Agnew landing paydays abroad. Davis, a first-round pick, has agreed to a one-year deal worth $7 million with the New York Jets. Agnew, an All-Pro return man, is getting a three-year deal worth as much as $21 million with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Reeves-Maybin could have also hit the open market, but decided to sign a one-year, $2.4 million deal to return to the Lions instead.

Detroit and Romeo Okwara have reportedly agreed to a three-year, $39 million deal to keep the defensive end in town. 9:04 p.m. -- ESPN reports quarterback Jameis Winston is staying in New Orleans, signing a one-year deal worth $12 million. 6:42 p.m. -- Cornerback Ronald Darby is staying with the Denver Broncos on a three-year, $30 million deal per ESPN. 6:21 p.m. -- Yannick Ngakoue is on the move again, heading to Las Vegas via a two-year, $26 million deal per ESPN. Tampa Bay and Shaq Barrett came together on a reported four-year, $72 million deal with a whopping $36 million guaranteed.

This is the eighth of an eight-part series previewing the Detroit Lions’ positional needs heading into free agency. Goodson (Browns)Breakdown: The Detroit Lions need linebackers, whether we’re talking inside, off-ball, on-ball or creating pressure off the edge, you name it, and they need it. Detroit acquired Shaun Dion Hamilton via waivers after the season ended, adding another linebacker with some pro experience. Perryman is an old-school linebacker, standing as one of, if not the, most feared run-stoppers at the position on the market. Still, the Lions need linebackers, and while Perryman isn’t going to shore up any concerns stopping the pass, he’s going to improve the run defense.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions announced linebacker Jarrad Davis is returning from the COVID list, while special teams star Tony McRae will be moved to season-ending injured reserve. Davis went on the COVID list last Monday and missed the 34-20 loss on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who usually plays only on special teams, also played two defensive snaps. He’s not a household name, but he’s been awesome on special teams this season, including downing a couple Jack Fox punts deep. Fox is netting a league-high 47.7 yards per attempt in part because of terrific play from gunners like McRae.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit LIons have officially listed Taylor Decker as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. He was limited at practice on Thursday, then didn’t practice at all on Friday according to the injury report. He also joins Matthew Stafford and Frank Ragnow as the only Lions players who haven’t missed an offensive snap this season. If Decker can’t go, the Lions would likely move Tyrell Crosby to left tackle, Halapoulivaati Vaitai to right tackle, and then promote Joe Dahl back into the starting lineup at guard. Center Ryan Kelly (knee) and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (knee) and questionable, and that’s it.