Following a weekend of rookie minicamp evaluations, the Detroit Lions have made a few roster moves, officially signing three players who participated on a tryout basis. Among the additions is defensive lineman Raequan Williams, a former Michigan State standout. Joining him are wide receiver Malik Taylor and tight end Luke Deal. To make room for the newcomers, the team waived tight end Caden Prieskorn.
Raequan Williams returns to Michigan as he looks to reignite his NFL career. A standout at Michigan State, Williams went undrafted in 2020 but previously spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his strength and disruptive presence on the interior line, he’ll aim to add depth to the Lions’ defensive front.
Malik Taylor, a native of Flint, Michigan, brings experience and versatility to the wide receiver room. Taylor played collegiately at Division II Ferris State before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He initially signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before landing with the Green Bay Packers, where he spent three seasons, contributing primarily on special teams and as a depth receiver. He later had a stint with the New York Jets.
Tight end Luke Deal, who played college football at Auburn, impressed the Lions’ coaching staff enough to earn a contract. A steady blocker with dependable hands, Deal could compete for a depth role in Detroit’s tight end rotation, especially as the team seeks physicality and versatility at the position.
To accommodate these signings, the Lions waived Caden Prieskorn, a Michigan native who spent his collegiate career at Memphis and Ole Miss. Despite going undrafted, Prieskorn had shown promise as a receiving tight end, totaling 14 touchdown receptions over his final three college seasons. His release highlights the competitiveness of Detroit’s tight end group heading into training camp.
These roster moves bring the Lions to the NFL’s 90-man offseason limit. The team had two open spots prior to the signings due to an international roster exemption earned by drafting Boise State edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein. With offseason programs underway, the newly signed players will now have a chance to compete for a spot on the final roster as the Lions continue to shape their team ahead of the 2025 season.