NFL Network reported that Ertz is expected to be signed to the Lions’ practice squad before being elevated to the gameday squad for the NFC Championship Game. Released by the Arizona Cardinals in November, Ertz helped the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LII, catching seven catches for 67 yards and a touchdown in a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots.

The Lions will also be without starting guard Jonah Jackson for Sunday’s game against the 49ers, who underwent surgery for a slight meniscus tear. Still, should the Lions advance to the Super Bowl, there is an outside chance that Jackson will be available to play.

The post Veteran Zach Ertz Joins Detroit Lions appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

This was also the Lions’ first NFC North title. The last time the franchise won a division title, they played in NFC Central.

The Vikings, starting backup Nick Mullens under center, held their own pretty well and even managed to get a 17-21 lead at one point in the third quarter. However, the Lions responded with a pair of touchdowns that saw them get back on top at the start of the fourth period.

The key moment of the game came in the final minute of the game. The Vikings, trailing by six points, marched down the field and reached the Lions’ 30-yard line. At 1st&10, Mullens launched a deep pass towards the end zone before being picked off by Detroit’s corner Ifeatu Melifonwu, which ultimately ended the game.

The 2023 season will be special for the Lions for several other reasons. They are currently 11-4, securing their first 10+ wins campaign since 2014. On top of that, they are slated to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

“This is special,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “It’s something you don’t get to do all the time. They’re always special to win a division, I don’t care how many of them you get cause of the work that goes into it. But to do something that hasn’t been done in 30 years for a team is special. And that’s a special group of men back in there that are staying tame at this point.”

The Lions will now focus on translating their regular-season success to the postseason. They haven’t won a playoff game since 1991, marking the longest drought in the league. Detroit has four NFL championships, but their last title came in 1957, and they are yet to play in a Super Bowl.

The post Detroit Lions Clinch First Division Title Since 1993 appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

This marks the first time that the Lions sold every single one of the available season tickets since starting to play at Ford Field in 2002. It is unclear whether the franchise managed to achieve the feat in some earlier stages of its history.

“This is an exciting moment for our franchise. To reach this milestone as we celebrate our 90th season of Detroit Lions football makes the moment even more special,” said Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood in a statement. “The Lions have always enjoyed a loyal and multi-generational fan base that has been the bedrock of our fan base. We can’t wait for the home field advantage that this will create inside Ford Field this season.”

The Detroit Lions failed to reach the postseason in the past six years, but the team’s performances last season give fans a lot to be optimistic about. After starting the campaign 1-6, the Lions went on to win eight out of their next 10 games and finish second in the NFC North. This run also included a season finale win over Green Bay Packers that eliminated their divisional rivals from the playoffs.

The Lions are now viewed as favorites to win their division in 2023, and no one would be surprised if they make some real noise in the playoffs. If they don’t, it definitely won’t be because of a lack of support from the stands. 

The post Lions Sell Out Season Tickets for the First Time in Ford Field Era appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

In order to land Okudah, the Falcons have sent their fifth-round selection in this year’s draft to Detroit. According to Conner, the trade is viewed as a “win-win for both sides.”

The Lions believed they were getting a cornerback of the future when they selected Jeff Okudah three years ago. However, a series of injuries limited the Ohio State product to just 10 games in his first two seasons and prevented him from establishing himself as a mainstay in Detroit’s secondary.

In 2022, Okudah actually showed some flashes of his talent and put together his best campaign as a pro. He played in 15 games while managing 73 tackles, seven passes defended, one interception, and one defensive touchdown.

Still, this was not enough to convince the Lions, who went on to sign veteran corners Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency. With the duo likely guaranteed to start due to the type of money Detroit spent on them, Okudah became an odd man out.

Okudah gets a change of scenery in Atlanta while moving away from the pressure of being a high pick that didn’t pan out. He is considered a candidate to start opposite All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell in Week 1 for the Falcons.

The post Lions Trade Corner Jeff Okudah, No. 3 Pick in 2020, to the Falcons appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Williams ended up leaving Detroit shortly after free agency opened and signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. He was officially introduced on Friday and didn’t hold back when talking about his former employers.

Williams told the media that the offer Lions ended up giving him was “disrespectful” and made him feel like they didn’t want to keep him.

“The offer they gave me, I felt like was disrespectful and showing that they really didn’t want me to be there like that,” said Williams.

After Williams rejected their initial offer, the Lions quickly moved on to other options and ended up locking former Chicago Bears back David Montgomery into a deal. Reportedly, Montgomery received a three-year, $18 million contract.

Jamaal Williams spent the first four years of his career with the Green Bay Packers, where he mostly served as a second option behind Aaron Jones. He joined the Lions ahead of the 2021 NFL campaign and, after an underwhelming first year in Detroit, delivered a breakthrough campaign last season. Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and 17 TDs, with the later mark being more than he had in all his previous years as a pro.

The post RB Jamaal Williams Says Lions’ Contract Offer was “Disrespectful” appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Lions didn’t disclose the financial terms of the deal, but ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Fox is set to earn $3.775 million annually. This would make him the highest-paid punter in the league.

“Jack has earned everything he has accomplished in his young career, and he sets a great example for his teammates with his professionalism and work ethic,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have him as a leader on our team for years to come.”

Fox has been a consistent performer for the Lions since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2019. The Rice University product has averaged 49.1 yards per punt since his pro debut, which is more than any other punter in the same period. He had a Pro Bowl nod and Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2020.

The 2022 campaign is also shaping up to be productive for Fox, considering he has 48.8 yards per punt throughout the first six weeks. He made 16 punts, five of which were placed inside the 20.

The post Lions Make Jack Fox the Highest-Paid Punter in the NFL appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

St. Brown has been playing lights out to start the 2022 campaign, catching 23 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns in the first three games. He sprained his ankle in Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings but recently said that he expects to return to action “sooner rather than later.”

On the other hand, Swift is dealing with shoulder and ankle issues. The third-year back was also off to a good start, rushing for 231 yards on 8.6 yards per carry while scoring one touchdown. He also has eight receptions for 77 yards and a TD.

Despite the fact that the Lions will face the Seahawks without two of their best offensive players, Campbell said that the team feels good about their chances.

“Listen, man. That’s what it’s all about. It’s next man up,” Campbell said. “… we’ve got this O-line and a quarterback that can throw it, so we feel good.”

The Detroit Lions started the season 1-2 but can be satisfied with the way they have played so far in 2022. The two games they lost both came down to a wire, and the team looks in a much better position to compete compared to some previous years.

The post Lions Will Be Without WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and RB D’Andre Swift vs. Seahawks appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Lions were heavy underdogs ahead of the clash, especially considering Minnesota’s recent stretch of good performances that included a win over the Green Bay Packers. And it appeared that the prediction was correct early on, as the Vikings held Detroit scoreless in the first quarter while putting six points on the board.

However, the Lions dialed it up in the second quarter and scored 20 unanswered points to close out the first half.

Detroit’s offense couldn’t keep up with the same production level in the third, allowing the Vikings to cut down into their lead. The Vikings continued their comeback in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on Detroit’s turnover that included an interception and a fumble by Goff.

It appeared that Minnesota got the job done as QB Kirk Cousins found standout wideout Justin Jefferson in the endzone to give his team a 27-23 lead with less than two minutes remaining on the clock.

Still, the Lions were unwilling to let another close game slip through their hands. With 1:50 left to work with, Goff led his offense 75 yards down the field and threw a perfect TD pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown on 4th&2 to launch a massive celebration at the Ford Field.

The Lions improved to a 1-10-1 record with the win. While it doesn’t do much for them in the 2021 NFL season, the fact that they can finally leave the field with their heads held up high should do wonders for the team in the long run.

The Vikings, on the other hand, will be gutted not to be able to get the job done against the worst team in the league. They are still second in the division with a 5-7 record, but the road to playoffs has become much harder.

The post Jared Goff’s Late TD Drive Gives Lions Their First Win in 2021 appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Lions were looking to end their winless streak against the Bears and came close to doing so. They entered the fourth quarter with a one-point lead and held it until the very last second of regulation. But unfortunately for Detroit, Chicago’s offense was already in the field goal range at that point, and Cairo Santos converted a 28-yarder with the clock running out to give his team an important win.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, welcomed the Raiders in hopes of bouncing back from a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week. However, they too were left empty-handed by a late field goal.

Dallas fell behind early on and trailed for the better part of the contest. It was only in the fourth quarter that they’ve pulled level thanks to QB Dak Prescott’s touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz and a two-point conversion afterward.

At this point, the score was tied at 30-30, and the Raiders had a chance to put together a final drive for all the marbles. Las Vegas ended up doing so and scored a go-ahead field goal, but also left too much time for Prescott and co. in the process. Working with less than two minutes, Dallas’ offense managed to get across the field and get things even once again to force the overtime.

The Cowboys elected to have the first possession in OT after winning the toss but only had a quick three and out to show for. The Raiders, on the other hand, managed to get 67 yards down the field and set up a field goal by Daniel Carlson to win the game and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Lions still remain the only winless team in the NFL after their Thanksgiving game, while the Bears improved to a 4-7 record. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are still in control in NFC East despite the loss, while the win allowed the Raiders to remain in striking distance of the leading teams in the AFC West.

The post Lions and Cowboys Suffer Heartbreaking Losses On Thanksgiving appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The two sides previously agreed after Week 2 that Collins wouldn’t be part of the Lions anymore and doesn’t need to come to practice anymore. Detroit’s front office had talks with several teams about the 31-year-old player but ultimately never got the offer they liked.

The Lions decided to move on from Collins after he struggled to perform in the first two weeks of the 2021 NFL season. The franchise also decided to give a chance to their younger players, most notably this year’s fourth-round pick Derrick Barnes.

As ESPN’s Field Yates points out, Collins will get to keep his $5 million bonus and $3.8 million salary from the Lions despite being released. This potentially opens up more possibilities for his next step. According to multiple reports, several teams would be open to adding Collins on the cheap, including his former team, the New England Patriots.

Collins started his career with the Patriots, earning All-Pro honors in New England and helping the franchise win Super Bowl XLIX. He later played with the Cleveland Browns and had another stint with the Pats before signing with Detroit in 2020.

The post Lions Release Veteran LB Jamie Collins appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

NFL Network reported that Ertz is expected to be signed to the Lions’ practice squad before being elevated to the gameday squad for the NFC Championship Game. Released by the Arizona Cardinals in November, Ertz helped the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LII, catching seven catches for 67 yards and a touchdown in a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots.

The Lions will also be without starting guard Jonah Jackson for Sunday’s game against the 49ers, who underwent surgery for a slight meniscus tear. Still, should the Lions advance to the Super Bowl, there is an outside chance that Jackson will be available to play.

The post Veteran Zach Ertz Joins Detroit Lions appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

This was also the Lions’ first NFC North title. The last time the franchise won a division title, they played in NFC Central.

The Vikings, starting backup Nick Mullens under center, held their own pretty well and even managed to get a 17-21 lead at one point in the third quarter. However, the Lions responded with a pair of touchdowns that saw them get back on top at the start of the fourth period.

The key moment of the game came in the final minute of the game. The Vikings, trailing by six points, marched down the field and reached the Lions’ 30-yard line. At 1st&10, Mullens launched a deep pass towards the end zone before being picked off by Detroit’s corner Ifeatu Melifonwu, which ultimately ended the game.

The 2023 season will be special for the Lions for several other reasons. They are currently 11-4, securing their first 10+ wins campaign since 2014. On top of that, they are slated to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

“This is special,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “It’s something you don’t get to do all the time. They’re always special to win a division, I don’t care how many of them you get cause of the work that goes into it. But to do something that hasn’t been done in 30 years for a team is special. And that’s a special group of men back in there that are staying tame at this point.”

The Lions will now focus on translating their regular-season success to the postseason. They haven’t won a playoff game since 1991, marking the longest drought in the league. Detroit has four NFL championships, but their last title came in 1957, and they are yet to play in a Super Bowl.

The post Detroit Lions Clinch First Division Title Since 1993 appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

This marks the first time that the Lions sold every single one of the available season tickets since starting to play at Ford Field in 2002. It is unclear whether the franchise managed to achieve the feat in some earlier stages of its history.

“This is an exciting moment for our franchise. To reach this milestone as we celebrate our 90th season of Detroit Lions football makes the moment even more special,” said Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood in a statement. “The Lions have always enjoyed a loyal and multi-generational fan base that has been the bedrock of our fan base. We can’t wait for the home field advantage that this will create inside Ford Field this season.”

The Detroit Lions failed to reach the postseason in the past six years, but the team’s performances last season give fans a lot to be optimistic about. After starting the campaign 1-6, the Lions went on to win eight out of their next 10 games and finish second in the NFC North. This run also included a season finale win over Green Bay Packers that eliminated their divisional rivals from the playoffs.

The Lions are now viewed as favorites to win their division in 2023, and no one would be surprised if they make some real noise in the playoffs. If they don’t, it definitely won’t be because of a lack of support from the stands. 

The post Lions Sell Out Season Tickets for the First Time in Ford Field Era appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

In order to land Okudah, the Falcons have sent their fifth-round selection in this year’s draft to Detroit. According to Conner, the trade is viewed as a “win-win for both sides.”

The Lions believed they were getting a cornerback of the future when they selected Jeff Okudah three years ago. However, a series of injuries limited the Ohio State product to just 10 games in his first two seasons and prevented him from establishing himself as a mainstay in Detroit’s secondary.

In 2022, Okudah actually showed some flashes of his talent and put together his best campaign as a pro. He played in 15 games while managing 73 tackles, seven passes defended, one interception, and one defensive touchdown.

Still, this was not enough to convince the Lions, who went on to sign veteran corners Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency. With the duo likely guaranteed to start due to the type of money Detroit spent on them, Okudah became an odd man out.

Okudah gets a change of scenery in Atlanta while moving away from the pressure of being a high pick that didn’t pan out. He is considered a candidate to start opposite All-Pro corner A.J. Terrell in Week 1 for the Falcons.

The post Lions Trade Corner Jeff Okudah, No. 3 Pick in 2020, to the Falcons appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Williams ended up leaving Detroit shortly after free agency opened and signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. He was officially introduced on Friday and didn’t hold back when talking about his former employers.

Williams told the media that the offer Lions ended up giving him was “disrespectful” and made him feel like they didn’t want to keep him.

“The offer they gave me, I felt like was disrespectful and showing that they really didn’t want me to be there like that,” said Williams.

After Williams rejected their initial offer, the Lions quickly moved on to other options and ended up locking former Chicago Bears back David Montgomery into a deal. Reportedly, Montgomery received a three-year, $18 million contract.

Jamaal Williams spent the first four years of his career with the Green Bay Packers, where he mostly served as a second option behind Aaron Jones. He joined the Lions ahead of the 2021 NFL campaign and, after an underwhelming first year in Detroit, delivered a breakthrough campaign last season. Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and 17 TDs, with the later mark being more than he had in all his previous years as a pro.

The post RB Jamaal Williams Says Lions’ Contract Offer was “Disrespectful” appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Lions didn’t disclose the financial terms of the deal, but ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Fox is set to earn $3.775 million annually. This would make him the highest-paid punter in the league.

“Jack has earned everything he has accomplished in his young career, and he sets a great example for his teammates with his professionalism and work ethic,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have him as a leader on our team for years to come.”

Fox has been a consistent performer for the Lions since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2019. The Rice University product has averaged 49.1 yards per punt since his pro debut, which is more than any other punter in the same period. He had a Pro Bowl nod and Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2020.

The 2022 campaign is also shaping up to be productive for Fox, considering he has 48.8 yards per punt throughout the first six weeks. He made 16 punts, five of which were placed inside the 20.

The post Lions Make Jack Fox the Highest-Paid Punter in the NFL appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

St. Brown has been playing lights out to start the 2022 campaign, catching 23 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns in the first three games. He sprained his ankle in Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings but recently said that he expects to return to action “sooner rather than later.”

On the other hand, Swift is dealing with shoulder and ankle issues. The third-year back was also off to a good start, rushing for 231 yards on 8.6 yards per carry while scoring one touchdown. He also has eight receptions for 77 yards and a TD.

Despite the fact that the Lions will face the Seahawks without two of their best offensive players, Campbell said that the team feels good about their chances.

“Listen, man. That’s what it’s all about. It’s next man up,” Campbell said. “… we’ve got this O-line and a quarterback that can throw it, so we feel good.”

The Detroit Lions started the season 1-2 but can be satisfied with the way they have played so far in 2022. The two games they lost both came down to a wire, and the team looks in a much better position to compete compared to some previous years.

The post Lions Will Be Without WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and RB D’Andre Swift vs. Seahawks appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Lions were heavy underdogs ahead of the clash, especially considering Minnesota’s recent stretch of good performances that included a win over the Green Bay Packers. And it appeared that the prediction was correct early on, as the Vikings held Detroit scoreless in the first quarter while putting six points on the board.

However, the Lions dialed it up in the second quarter and scored 20 unanswered points to close out the first half.

Detroit’s offense couldn’t keep up with the same production level in the third, allowing the Vikings to cut down into their lead. The Vikings continued their comeback in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on Detroit’s turnover that included an interception and a fumble by Goff.

It appeared that Minnesota got the job done as QB Kirk Cousins found standout wideout Justin Jefferson in the endzone to give his team a 27-23 lead with less than two minutes remaining on the clock.

Still, the Lions were unwilling to let another close game slip through their hands. With 1:50 left to work with, Goff led his offense 75 yards down the field and threw a perfect TD pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown on 4th&2 to launch a massive celebration at the Ford Field.

The Lions improved to a 1-10-1 record with the win. While it doesn’t do much for them in the 2021 NFL season, the fact that they can finally leave the field with their heads held up high should do wonders for the team in the long run.

The Vikings, on the other hand, will be gutted not to be able to get the job done against the worst team in the league. They are still second in the division with a 5-7 record, but the road to playoffs has become much harder.

The post Jared Goff’s Late TD Drive Gives Lions Their First Win in 2021 appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Lions were looking to end their winless streak against the Bears and came close to doing so. They entered the fourth quarter with a one-point lead and held it until the very last second of regulation. But unfortunately for Detroit, Chicago’s offense was already in the field goal range at that point, and Cairo Santos converted a 28-yarder with the clock running out to give his team an important win.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, welcomed the Raiders in hopes of bouncing back from a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week. However, they too were left empty-handed by a late field goal.

Dallas fell behind early on and trailed for the better part of the contest. It was only in the fourth quarter that they’ve pulled level thanks to QB Dak Prescott’s touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz and a two-point conversion afterward.

At this point, the score was tied at 30-30, and the Raiders had a chance to put together a final drive for all the marbles. Las Vegas ended up doing so and scored a go-ahead field goal, but also left too much time for Prescott and co. in the process. Working with less than two minutes, Dallas’ offense managed to get across the field and get things even once again to force the overtime.

The Cowboys elected to have the first possession in OT after winning the toss but only had a quick three and out to show for. The Raiders, on the other hand, managed to get 67 yards down the field and set up a field goal by Daniel Carlson to win the game and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Lions still remain the only winless team in the NFL after their Thanksgiving game, while the Bears improved to a 4-7 record. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are still in control in NFC East despite the loss, while the win allowed the Raiders to remain in striking distance of the leading teams in the AFC West.

The post Lions and Cowboys Suffer Heartbreaking Losses On Thanksgiving appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The two sides previously agreed after Week 2 that Collins wouldn’t be part of the Lions anymore and doesn’t need to come to practice anymore. Detroit’s front office had talks with several teams about the 31-year-old player but ultimately never got the offer they liked.

The Lions decided to move on from Collins after he struggled to perform in the first two weeks of the 2021 NFL season. The franchise also decided to give a chance to their younger players, most notably this year’s fourth-round pick Derrick Barnes.

As ESPN’s Field Yates points out, Collins will get to keep his $5 million bonus and $3.8 million salary from the Lions despite being released. This potentially opens up more possibilities for his next step. According to multiple reports, several teams would be open to adding Collins on the cheap, including his former team, the New England Patriots.

Collins started his career with the Patriots, earning All-Pro honors in New England and helping the franchise win Super Bowl XLIX. He later played with the Cleveland Browns and had another stint with the Pats before signing with Detroit in 2020.

The post Lions Release Veteran LB Jamie Collins appeared first on yoursportspot.com.