Detroit Lions Lock In Star Player With $8 Million Announcement

The Detroit Lions are coming up on a very important year for the team, and it’s down to the wire when it comes to putting this class together. Now is the time for the decision-makers to make some last-minute signings happen and put the finishing touches on the squad ahead of the 2025-26 season.

In many ways, this upcoming season will be a test for head coach Dan Campbell. He’s relied heavily on offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn since taking over as head coach, but now, both of those coordinators have left for other opportunities. People across the NFL are looking to Detroit to see if Campbell can recreate the magic with a totally new staff, and time will tell if that happens.

Detroit Lions rookies were at training camp this week, and the veterans will join them on Saturday, July 19. Now, just in time, the Lions have signed four new players, which they announced on Friday, July 18. One of those players is a major addition, because it was odd that his deal hadn’t been worked out yet.

Lions Officially Ink Their Newest Star

The Detroit Lions drafted Tate Ratledge of Georgia in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft as their 57th overall pick. It was a big pick for them, because it was the first pick of their draft. But, the Detroit Lions hadn’t been able to come to terms with Ratledge on a contract, until now.

The Lions has officially signed Ratledge to a four-year deal worth $7,652,736, according to Spotrac. He was the last remining played drafted by the Lions this year to sign his deal. It was certainly concerning that they hadn’t come to an agreement yet, so this is good news.

Ratledge earned a Pro Football Focus overall offensive grade of 74.4 and a run-blocking grade of 74.7 during his time with Georgia. “He’s an average athlete with adequate foot quickness and technique to get the job done. Ratledge lacks length and will reach when punching, opening him to quick counters,” his scouting report from the NFL states. They add that he “sees and handles twists with above-average success and has enough anchor and redirect power to protect his pocket.”

He also “plays with low pad level, leverage and very good play strength,” according to Bleacher Report. They add that he is an “efficient combo blocker with solid quickness and timing to secure the first-level and line up the backer on his climb.”

More New Faces for the Detroit Lions

The Lions also announced on Friday, July 18, that they have signed free agent cornerbacks DiCaprio Bootle and Tyson Russell and running back Jabari Small.

Bootle hails from the Chargers and notched three tackles in six games for the team last season. He also played for the Panthers in 2023 and Chiefs in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Russell is straight out of Vanderbilt and was undrafted this year. Small comes from the Tennessee Titans‘ practice squad.

So, as always, expect to see some new faces among the returning favorites for the Lions this year.