The Detroit Lions continued to reshape their defense on Wednesday by bringing in linebacker Damone Clark. The team confirmed the move through its official X (formerly Twitter) account, marking another step in their offseason roster adjustments.

Clark originally entered the league with the Dallas Cowboys, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Over his time in Dallas, he accumulated 198 total tackles, along with six tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. After being released late in the 2025 season, he briefly joined the Houston Texans to close out the year. According to Spotrac, his career earnings are just over $6 million.

Detroit’s decision to sign Clark represents a low-risk, high-upside move. His 2025 campaign was underwhelming, as he struggled on a defense that ranked among the league’s worst. Data from Pro Football Focus gave him a 34.5 overall grade, placing him near the bottom among linebackers. His coverage performance was especially concerning, with a grade of just 28.2. That same season, Dallas finished last in pass defense, highlighting the broader struggles around him.

Despite those issues, Clark showed promise earlier in his career. In 2023, he started every game for the Cowboys and delivered an impressive 109 tackles, along with four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and three passes defended. That year, Dallas ranked fifth in both total defense and passing yards allowed, showing the environment in which Clark previously succeeded. Outside of that season, however, he has only made nine starts across his other three years in the league.

The Lions are hoping a change of scenery and a short-term deal can help Clark rediscover his earlier form. He now joins a linebacker unit that includes Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Derrick Barnes. Meanwhile, veteran Alex Anzalone departed in free agency to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Detroit also made another defensive addition the day before, signing edge rusher D. J. Wonnum. According to Adam Schefter, the deal is a one-year contract worth up to $6 million. Wonnum previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, where he recorded eight sacks in both the 2021 and 2023 seasons, before spending last year with the Carolina Panthers.

In 2025, Wonnum totaled three sacks, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, three pass breakups, and an interception. Even with his addition, analysts still believe Detroit needs more help on the edge. The Lions ranked 18th in total defense and 22nd in points allowed last season, and many expect them to prioritize defensive upgrades—particularly pass rushers—heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.