With OTAs starting next week, the Detroit Lions are reshaping their roster, releasing a rookie tight end and signing a former Michigan player.
The Detroit Lions completed their 90-man roster after a successful rookie minicamp and tryout session, but with OTAs starting next week, they continue to alter their roster. On Thursday, the Lions announced the signing of Sean McKeon and the release of undrafted rookie tight end Isaac Rex.
McKeon went undrafted from the University of Michigan in 2020 and signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He impressed enough in training camp to win a position on the active roster as the team’s fourth tight end option, starting one game during his rookie season.
Over the next four years, McKeon played 45 games with the Cowboys, including three starts, but he was mainly used as a blocker and on special teams. In total, according to PFF, he saw 428 offensive snaps and 570 special teams snaps over his career, receiving above-average grades as a blocker (79.2 pass blocking grade in 2023, 81.0 in 2022) and four-phase special teams contributor (64.7 grade in 2023, 72,2 as a rookie).
With the Lions returning their top four tight ends—Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell, and Shane Zylstra—it’ll be a challenge for McKeon to crack the Lions lineup. But with the new special teams rules and Lions’ preference towards blocking tight ends, he’ll have a shot to earn a possible TE4 role in Detroit.
Rex was signed as an undrafted free agent but did not appear to do enough during rookie minicamp to warrant a spot on the roster. At this time, it’s unclear if he had a UDFA signing bonus or guarantees on his salary, and it’s unlikely they would have a significant impact on the Lions’ salary cap.
