The Lions just signed a veteran defensive back we thought could help in the secondary and who can also help replace Tom Kennedy
Bryant isn’t expected to replace DeAndre Carter as Detroit’s primary returner, but his experience at cornerback, safety and punt returner gives the Lions useful insurance in multiple spots.
After the Detroit Lions lost Tom Kennedy for the season, we put out a list of players who could help the Lions kill two birds with one stone. The idea was to find someone who could add depth in the secondary and also give Detroit another option as a punt returner.
On Thursday, the Lions signed one of those guys. Detroit is signing defensive back Myles Bryant to its practice squad.
Bryant caught my eye because he gives the Lions a chance to help in two spots instead of one. He has experience returning punts with the New England Patriots, and he also has real NFL experience on defense.
What Myles Bryant brings to the Lions
Bryant isn’t some unknown name off the street. He has played in 77 games with the Patriots and Houston Texans. Over that stretch, he has four interceptions and 17 pass breakups.
The Cleveland Browns had him on and off their practice squad in September, so he was on an NFL roster recently. That matters this time of year. Detroit isn’t bringing in a guy who has been sitting on his couch since August.
The 28-year-old has plenty of experience as a defensive back in the league, at both cornerback and safety. That kind of flexibility is valuable for a practice squad player. If the Lions need a body in the secondary, Bryant can line up in more than one spot.
Don’t expect a hidden weapon in the return game
Now, I wouldn’t focus too much on Bryant’s return experience and assume the Lions are getting some hidden weapon. That’s not what this is.
DeAndre Carter is going to take over Detroit’s punt returns and kick returns, according to Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp. The Lions added Carter to the active roster on Thursday as well, and Bryant was the corresponding move on the practice squad.
So Bryant is more of a backup plan in that department. He averaged 5.6 yards per punt return in 2022 and seven yards per return in 2023 with the Patriots. That’s experience. It’s also fair to want more production than that.
What interests me the most is that Bryant could give Detroit another option to field punts while he also competes for work in the secondary. That combination makes him worth a look. The punt return value is a little bit of extra on top of what he can do on defense.
When could the Lions use him?
It’s good that he’s here. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lions elevated him on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.
That being said, I’d probably point to the following week against the Minnesota Vikings as the more likely spot for him to get elevated. Either way, he gives Detroit a ready-made option the next time it needs help in the secondary or on special teams.
This is a good move for the Lions. Bryant was somebody we had a lot of interest in after the Kennedy injury, and I’m glad Detroit went this route. Let’s see how quickly he gets his chance.
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