What was once just a symbolic tattoo on his arm, representing his love for his hometown team, has now become Avonte Maddox’s professional reality.
According to NFL Network, the veteran cornerback has agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions. With this addition, the Lions now have seven cornerbacks signed for the 2025 season. Maddox joins D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, Khalil Dorsey, and Stantley Thomas-Oliver, who signed a reserve/future deal in January.
A Detroit native, Maddox played high school football at Martin Luther King High School before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. After seven seasons in Philadelphia, he now returns home.
The 28-year-old defensive back is another key depth piece for the Lions. Coming off a Super Bowl LIX victory with the Eagles, Maddox brings valuable experience and leadership to a young Detroit secondary.
Last season, Maddox appeared in 17 games, playing 345 defensive snaps and 193 on special teams.
With experience across the secondary—from cornerback to safety—Maddox provides the versatility Detroit needs after Ifeatu Melifonwu left for the Miami Dolphins. He’s also a dependable starting option when needed, a crucial asset for a team that has struggled with secondary injuries in recent seasons.
