The Detroit Lions announced a series of roster changes to shake up their secondary ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The full list of transactions is as follows:
Signed for the practice squad:
The biggest change here is the addition of Fuller, a nine-year NFL veteran. A third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Fuller has started a total of 104 games in his career. He played for Washington twice (2016-17, 2020-23), for the Chiefs (2018-19) and most recently for the Miami Dolphins last season. In 2024, he started 11 games for Miami, producing 50 tackles, seven assists, one fumble recovery and a good PFF grade of 66.2. In fact, Fuller has produced PFF grades of 70 or higher in every season since 2017 except two: last year and 2020.
Fuller was cut by the Dolphins in February, saving nearly $3 million in cap space. It’s also worth noting that Fuller suffered two concussions in 2024.
At 5-foot-11 and 198 pounds, Fuller primarily played as an outside cornerback during his career. There, he can provide immediate relief for the Lions, given that DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold and Avonte Maddox are all expected to miss this week’s game against the Buccaneers.
As for other moves, Eguakun and Smith were waived Saturday to make room for safety Erick Hallett, defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson and cornerback Nick Whiteside. After clearing the waivers, they are back.
Strickland’s waiver is a bit surprising considering the Lions are shorthanded at safety with Brian Branch suspended for one game and Kerby Joseph dealing with a knee injury. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Strickland return to the team’s practice squad. However, he will have to clear the waivers first.
