Lions Sign Edge Rusher Keith Cooper Jr., Release OL Leif Fautanu
ALLEN PARK — Following their rookie minicamp, the Detroit Lions have added a new face to their defense while parting ways with an offensive lineman.
The team has officially signed rookie edge rusher Keith Cooper Jr., who earned the opportunity after participating in minicamp as a tryout player. In a corresponding move, the Lions waived interior lineman Leif Fautanu.
Cooper spent the 2023 season at Houston, where he tallied 3.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss over 12 starts. Before transferring, he played three years at Tulane, amassing 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss during his time there. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound defender led Houston in both sacks and tackles for loss, recorded 10 QB hits, and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors. He also notched 29 quarterback pressures in 627 snaps, showcasing strength particularly in run defense.
Though initially mentioned among the Lions’ undrafted free agent class, Cooper was not officially signed until after the minicamp tryout. According to KPRC 2 in Houston, his contract includes $125,000 in guaranteed money and a $20,000 signing bonus.
Meanwhile, Fautanu, who played six college seasons at Arizona State, was competing for a depth role on the interior offensive line and shared center reps with second-round pick Tate Ratledge during minicamp.
Cooper’s size and physical style make him a promising fit for Detroit’s defensive scheme, and he’ll look to make a strong impression during offseason workouts and into training camp.
