Lions fill final roster spot with former Raiders safety, this might feel underwhelming, but it’s quietly a steal
It’s not Za’Darius Smith, but it’s good find
The Detroit Lions finalized their 53-man roster on Friday with the addition of former Raiders safety Thomas Harper. They claimed him off the waiver wire.
Harper went undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft and was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers. He was cut by the Chargers at the end of camp and claimed by the Raiders. He wound up playing 15 games for them in his rookie year and started five of them. Harper had a really good rookie year. Pro Football Focus graded him out at 78.3 on defense and 63.3 on special teams. He made the Raiders’ initial 53-man roster just a few days ago, but the Raiders had to make the hard cut to make room for Tristin McCollum.
The Lions had 50 players when they settled their initial roster on Tuesday, and then added Tyrus Wheat and Tyler Lacy on Wednesday and now Harper on Friday. Lions fans were hoping that spot would go to Za’Darius Smith, and that not happening is going to be a bummer, but Harper is a very intriguing addition who could get some serious playing time on special teams and defense this year and the future.
Keep in mind that since Harper was claimed, he is on the Lions’ roster for at least four games. If it doesn’t work out, they can part with him after that. If it does, he stays on the roster. This is a good move, though. Don’t let the fact that he’s not an All-Pro Edge rusher sway you from thinking otherwise.
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