Multiple former Lions players playing in the UFL Championship game, two have a good chance of being back in the NFL soon

The hometown Michigan Panthers will be playing the DC Defenders in the UFL Championship game on Saturday night and for a few former Detroit Lions players, this is the last chance to impress and get on an NFL roster this summer.  There are four former Lions playing in this game, and sadly, only one of […]

Mike Payton Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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The hometown Michigan Panthers will be playing the DC Defenders in the UFL Championship game on Saturday night and for a few former Detroit Lions players, this is the last chance to impress and get on an NFL roster this summer. 

There are four former Lions playing in this game, and sadly, only one of them is on the Panthers. The rest of the guys are in DC. Two of them have pretty good chances of getting signed. Let's talk about who's there. 

Michigan Panthers

OL Jacob Burton: The Lions signed Burton last summer after Netane Muti went down with a season-ending injury. Burton did not last long with the Lions, though; he was waived at final cutdown in late August and made his way back to the Panthers. 

DC Defenders

QB Jordan Ta'amu: Here's a guy who has a chance to be back in the NFL this summer. Ta'Amu was with the Lions twice. Once in 2020 and once again in 2021. He never got out of camp. 

Ta'amu may never be a starting quarterback, but he's a good guy to have on the bench or practice squad because of his football knowledge and understanding of the position. 

OT Jarrid Williams: The Lions signed Williams at the end of the 2022 season, and he spent a little bit on their practice squad. Once the season was over, the Lions did not sign him to a futures deal.

K Matt McCrane: Kickers always seem to get more chances in the NFL in the summertime. Even if it's just to push a guy at camp. McCrane was on the Lions' practice squad for a few weeks this past season. He got released in October. 

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