5 players the Lions could be keeping their eyes on during the UFL playoffs, including a former Lion

The UFL playoffs begin this weekend on Sunday when the Michigan Panthers will take on the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Conference championship game, and the St. Louis Battlehawks take on the DC Defenders in the XFL Conference championship game. 

The Detroit Lions and the rest of the NFL will be keeping their eyes on these games, and some of these players will get signed and have a chance to make a roster this summer. 

The Lions have a history of signing guys out of the league. The big one was Jake Bates, but there have been other guys like Maurice Alexander, Kaden Davis, Jake Burton, Alex Mollette, and more. Who will they sign this year? Here are five guys who are playing in the playoff games that are worth keeping an eye on: 

Steven Gilmore, CB, Stallions 

Lions fans remember this guy. He had a breakout summer in 2023 and earned a spot on the 53-man roster, Unfortunately, he had a setback in the summer of 2024 and wound up getting cut. Gilmore has had a really good season with the Stallions, in which he's looked similar to how he looked with the Lions in 2023. The Lions have shown they're interested in cornerback depth. Here's a guy who can come in and fight for a roster spot again. 

Hakeem Butler, WR, Battlehawks

The Lions are set for the most part at receiver, but one more guy isn't going to hurt anything. The reason I bring up Butler is that the offensive coordinator who had him winning the UFL Offensive Player of the Year award last spring, Bruce Gradkowski, is now on the Lions coaching staff. 

Mike Panasiuk, C, Battlehawks

Michigan State fans might remember Panasiuk. He's been one of the best offensive linemen in the UFL. This week, he was voted onto his second All-UFL team. He's had some shots in the NFL on practice squads and training camp rosters with the Raiders, Panthers, and Colts. With Frank Ragnow's retirement, here's another option the Lions can explore in search of their guy in 2025. He is arguably better than any of the free-agent centers who are out there now. 

Bryce Perkins, QB, Panthers

I know the Lions have three quarterbacks right now, but two of those guys, Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen, are struggling at the moment. Adding one more guy could make things interesting for the Lions. Perkins is no slouch, he could possibly be walking out with the UFL's MVP award. He's going to get signed somewhere for sure. 

Derrick Roberson, Edge, Defenders

Kind of a long shot for Roberson because he'll turn 30 this season, but he had a great season in which he was All-UFL with 5.5 sacks and nine tackles for a loss. He's a player who could come in and take a shot to crack the bottom of the edge rotation.