The Detroit Lions continue shaping their offseason roster, announcing the signing of nine players to Reserve/Future contracts as the organization officially shifts its attention toward the 2026 NFL season. The moves represent an early step in Detroit’s offseason planning as the team looks to build depth, evaluate young talent, and prepare for a competitive training camp later this year.
Reserve/Future contracts allow NFL teams to retain the rights to players who were not on the active roster at the end of the regular season. Although these contracts do not officially take effect until the new NFL league year begins in March, they provide teams with a way to secure players for offseason participation. These deals are most commonly used for practice-squad players, developmental prospects, and younger players the coaching staff believes may have upside.
Lions Players Signed to Reserve/Future Contracts
The Lions announced the following nine players have signed Reserve/Future deals and will remain with the team throughout the offseason:
OL Devin Cochran
WR Malik Cunningham
DE Ahmed Hassanein
TE Zach Horton
WR Jackson Meeks
OL Mason Miller
RB Jabari Small
DL Chris Smith
S Loren Strickland
These players will be eligible to participate in Detroit’s offseason workout program, rookie minicamp, organized team activities (OTAs), and training camp, where they will compete for a spot on the 2026 roster or a place on the practice squad.
What This Means for the Lions
For Detroit, these signings highlight the organization’s ongoing commitment to roster depth and internal development. While none of the players are guaranteed a roster spot, Reserve/Future contracts give the coaching staff extended time to evaluate how each player fits within the system, both on the field and in the locker room.
Several of the signees offer positional versatility and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines, where depth is critical over the course of a long NFL season. The additions at wide receiver, tight end, and running back also provide competition as the Lions continue to fine-tune their offensive depth chart.
Under head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit has placed a strong emphasis on competition, effort, and player development. These Reserve/Future signings align with that philosophy, ensuring the Lions enter the offseason program with a full group of motivated players eager to prove themselves.
As the offseason progresses, these nine players will look to make the most of their opportunity and earn a role in Detroit’s plans for the 2026 NFL season.
