The Lions should look to bring back the UFL’s top edge rusher for another look at training camp
The Lions love to bring in UFL players, and they’ve already spent time with this guy. It just makes sense
The Detroit Lions still have a few roster spots open, and they’re doing things a little differently this year. Usually, they’ll have some tryouts at the rookie minicamp, and some of those guys will make it. This year, they’re not having that.
They may look to invite some players for a tryout at the mandatory minicamp, but they might also look to hold some spots open until training camp and bring in UFL players like they always do.
The Lions love UFL players. They currently have four former UFL players on their roster. Jake Bates, Nick Whiteside, Jacob Saylors, and Thomas Gordon. We asked Lions head coach Dan Campbell about the value of these players last summer.
With that in mind, there is a guy who is tearing it up at the edge rusher position in the UFL right now, and the Lions could use a little more depth there.
Louisville Kings edge rusher Cam Gill is one to watch for the Lions at training camp
You might actually remember Gill if you’re a Lions fan. He was on the Lions’ practice squad for a few weeks during the 2024 season before the Panthers poached him from them and signed him to their 53-man roster.
Gill has been around the NFL since 2020 and helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl in his rookie year. He had a sack on Patrick Mahomes in the big game and forced a fumble. Other than that, he mostly played a lot for special teams in stops with the Panthers and Vikings. He’s played 50 regular-season games.
He didn’t play in the NFL in 2025 and signed with the Kings for the 2026 spring season. He’s been tearing it up there. In six games, he’s put up 27 pressures and a league-leading 6.5 sacks. He’s in the running to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
Gill wouldn’t start for the Lions or anything like that, but he can compete for a depth role with his pass-rush ability and his decent run-stopping prowess. The Lions brought eight edges into camp last year. Right now, they have seven. Why not grab one more?
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