Lions Release Playmaker to Make Way for All-UFL Standout

The Detroit Lions have a real football game this week after six long months. They are slated to play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday in the NFL Hall of Fame game. The Lions have 90 players fighting for just 53 spots on the active roster and a couple of practice squad openings.

Every practice and preseason game is crucial, and the Lions are continuing to make moves along the roster. According to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, Detroit is waiving tight end Luke Deal and is signing RB Jacob Saylors on Tuesday.

Saylors is the second UFL player that Detroit has brought in, after signing CB Nick Whiteside on Monday. Head coach Dan Campbell said he's open to adopting the UFL as a farm system, saying, "I think it would be great."

Lions Released TE Luke Deal to Sign RB Jacob Saylors

Deal signed with Detroit after trying out during the team's rookie minicamp, but suffered an injury early on in training camp, costing him a roster spot. Since he's gone, the Lions decided to bring in Saylors.

This isn't his first stop in the NFL, as he's spent time with the Falcons, Giants, and Browns, but never appeared in an NFL game. Over the last two years, he's played for the St. Louis Battlehawks and has landed on the All-UFL teams (2024 & 2025).

During the 2024 season, he led the UFL in rushing yards (461) and tied for second in rushing touchdowns (5). In addition, he led the league in scoring (54 points) as a non-QB or kicker. Saylors followed up this stellar campaign with 499 rushing yards and another five rushing touchdowns in 2025.

Detroit had undrafted rookie running back Kyle Robichaux leave practice Monday with what looked like a shoulder injury, and Saylors is someone who could step in.

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the unquestioned 1-2 punch in the rushing attack, but they aren't expected to play much during the preseason. Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki, Jabari Small, and Robichaux are the other RBs on the roster, but with Saylors coming in the mix, the competition just got harder.

Saylors does have some catching up to do, considering he's getting signed in Week 2 of camp, but all you need is an opportunity. The next few weeks will be interesting for Detroit's backfield, and Saylors looks to bring the success he had in the UFL over to the NFL.