The Detroit Lions are signing a new kicker to their practice squad, one who has excelled in the UFL/XFL over the past two seasons.

As first reported by Brownwood News, the Detroit Lions are adding kicker Matt McCrane to their practice squad.

On Tuesday, the New York Giants signed kicker Greg Joseph from the Lions’ practice squad, leaving Detroit without the experienced backup kicker they’ve been searching for since the season began.

McCrane spent the past two years in alternate spring leagues, playing for the DC Defenders in both the 2023 XFL and 2024 merged UFL.

Last season, McCrane made 16-of-20 field goals with a long of 58 yards. The year before, he was 12-of-16 with a long of 50. His accuracy on long-distance kicks was solid, going 6-of-8 from 50 yards or longer over two years with the Defenders.

Before his time in spring leagues, McCrane moved between several NFL teams after entering the league in 2018.

In his rookie season, he played for four NFL teams, appearing in five games with three different teams. During that time, he was perfect on extra points, hitting 9-for-9, but only made 8-of-12 field goals, with all misses from 47 yards or longer.

McCrane provides added insurance behind starting kicker Jake Bates, who was also a standout in the UFL last year. So far, Bates is perfect with the Lions, hitting all five of his field goal