The Detroit Lions have added depth to their safety position by signing Michigan native Kaevon Merriweather to their practice squad.

This move follows the activation of defensive lineman Brodric Martin from injured reserve and the release of Erick Hallett.

Merriweather, a product of Romulus and Belleville high schools, was a standout in both football and basketball before continuing his football career at Iowa.

During his four years with the Hawkeyes, he accumulated 118 tackles, four interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Despite a solid college career, Merriweather went undrafted in 2023. However, he caught the attention of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a spot on their initial 53-man roster.

As a rookie, Merriweather played in 16 games, starting twice, and showcased his skills in both defense and special teams.

This season, Merriweather participated in nine games for the Bucs, with a greater emphasis on special teams, where he logged 200 snaps compared to just 44 defensive snaps.

With Ifeatu Melifonwu now on injured reserve, Merriweather strengthens the Lions’ safety depth and offers valuable special teams experience.

Merriweather has expressed pride in representing his home state of Michigan, noting that he and a few other Michigan natives are making an impact in the NFL.

Reflecting on his journey, he said, “There’s a lot of talent in Michigan, and it’s something I take pride in.”

He also shared his excitement about joining the Lions, stating that as a former fan, it’s incredible to see the team’s recent progress.

“They’ve had a building season, and I believe they’ll continue to improve,” Merriweather added, confident that the Lions will keep building on their success in the coming years.

This addition provides the Lions with both depth in the secondary and an experienced special teams player, further bolstering their roster for the remainder of the

season.