A timeline on when the Lions might get rookie deals done for each of their 2026 NFL Draft picks
When the Lions might get their rookie deals done based off recent timelines
Earlier on Friday, we talked about the possibility that the Detroit Lions could have some trouble getting second-round pick Derrick Moore signed to his rookie deal ahead of training camp, as they did with Tate Ratledge last year.
With that in mind, we want to set the table a little bit and look at each rookie from last year and previous years to try to project when everyone could have their deals done.
When to expect the Lions to get their rookies signed
Any day now
- Keith Abney
- Kendrick Law
- Skyler Gill-Howard
- Tyre West
Last year, the Lions signed fifth, sixth, and both of their seventh-round picks on May 9th. Just a week and a half after the draft. If you’ve been paying attention, you might see that teams have already begun to sign their later picks. Expect Detroit to follow suit.
Late May-Early June
- Blake Miller
- Jimmy Rolder
Last year, Isaac TeSlaa was signed on May 20th. The Lions don’t have a third-round pick this year, so we’re putting Rolder in that spot. A day later, the Lions signed Tyleik Williams to his deal. This year, the Lions have a higher pick in Miller, so that could potentially push things just a little bit because that will be a bigger deal.
July
- Derrick Moore
This is the one our earlier story was about. The Lions may have to wait to see what happens with other second-round picks to see if they could potentially get fully guaranteed contracts. If that happens, other players’ agents are going to wait around to see if they can get one for their clients as well. The same thing that happened last year with Tate Ratledge.
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