Detroit Lions Acquire 27-Year-Old Defender From Patriots

The Detroit Lions moved quickly to address a sudden shortage at linebacker by signing K.J. Britt to their active roster from the New England Patriots’ practice squad.

The transaction, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, came in the immediate aftermath of a pair of injuries suffered during Detroit’s victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell remains hospitalized after a neck injury sustained on the opening play of the fourth quarter, while rookie Jimmy Rolder suffered a season-ending injury on the same series.

The dual losses left the Lions thin at a position that has been central to their defensive identity under Dan Campbell.

Britt, a 27-year-old veteran, provides experienced depth as the team prepares for its upcoming schedule, including a matchup against the Patriots in Germany.

Britt arrived in the NFL as a fifth-round selection (176th overall) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2021 draft after a productive career at Auburn.

A two-year starter for the Tigers, he earned first-team All-SEC honors as a junior in 2019 before a hand injury limited him as a senior.

He spent his first four professional seasons in Tampa Bay, gradually expanding his role from special teams contributor to rotational defender. His most productive year came in 2024, when he started 11 games and recorded a career-high 72 tackles along with half a sack.

After completing his rookie contract, Britt signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins for the 2025 season. He appeared in all 17 games with one start, finishing with 35 tackles.

He then joined the Patriots on another one-year contract ahead of the 2026 campaign but was released during final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad.

Elevated for one regular-season game, he recorded a single tackle before the Lions claimed him.

Throughout his career, Britt has appeared in more than 75 games with 16 starts, accumulating roughly 160 tackles, three passes defensed, and half a sack.

At six-foot, 240 pounds, he has primarily functioned as a physical, downhill linebacker who contributes on special teams and can fill in against the run.

While he is not viewed as a direct replacement for Campbell’s range and playmaking ability, his familiarity with NFL systems and prior experience under Buccaneers coaches—including current Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers—should allow him to integrate quickly.

For Detroit, the signing continues a pattern of general manager Brad Holmes targeting practice-squad players to plug immediate roster holes.

Britt’s arrival does not resolve the longer-term questions surrounding Campbell’s recovery, but it gives the Lions a veteran option as they navigate the remainder of the season with a depleted linebacker room.