The Detroit Lions are reportedly signing an undrafted rookie with an interesting tie to another NFL player. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions are signing former Syracuse and Georgia wide receiver Jackson Meeks to an undrafted rookie deal worth $200,000 guaranteed. But what makes this signing extra interesting is the fact that Meeks is the nephew of free agent defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
And let the games begin. From Za'Darius Smith IG. pic.twitter.com/Bat36fx5vz
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) April 26, 2025
Smith is a free agent after the Lions released the defensive end in a move that saved Detroit $11 million over the next two seasons. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the move was purely driven by finances, and that they were open to a possible reunion with Smith. When the Lions general manager last talked to the media about the situation, he essentially said the ball was in Smith’s court.
“I think we kind of left it as that his agent would let us know if something was going on or if anything has changed or if we have any updates,” Holmes said two weeks ago.
As for Meeks, he’s coming off a breakout season at Syracuse. In 2024, he pulled in 78 catches for 1,021 yards and seven touchdowns. At 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, Meeks is a candidate to challenge for Detroit’ WR-X position for the long term, but in the interim, he’ll have to earn his spot on the roster through special teams. He has years of experience on special teams, and served on the punt coverage team last year.
You can check out all of the Lions’ 2025 UDFA signing here with our tracker.
