Lions sign veteran edge rusher to practice squad, sign veteran tight end to 53-man roster

The Detroit Lions had a big defensive output against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night when they put up 34 pressures and seven sacks on Lamar Jackson. Still, they're looking for some extra help on the edge with Marcus Davenport out for the next few weeks. On Wednesday, they made a signing to help with that.

The Lions signed Quinton Jefferson to their practice squad

The Lions had Jefferson in on Tuesday. The ninth-year edge is a fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He’s played for the Seahawks, Rams, Bills, Raiders, Jets, and Browns. Most notably, he’s spent a lot of time in Seattle, where he’s been for three different stints. He was starting edge for them in 2018 and 2019 before leaving to play for the Bills. He also started for the Raiders.

He can play both edge and defensive tackle. He played 12 games last season for both the Browns and Bills in 2024. He was on his second stint with the latter. He didn’t start in any of those games, but finished the year with 14 pressures and two sacks off the bench.

Prior to 2024, Jefferson was regularly a guy who would put up 40 or more pressures and at least eight sacks in multiple seasons. He could be a player who is somewhat like his former Seahawks teammate Bruce Irvin, who spent time with the Lions in 2023. Only in this case, Jefferson has a chance to be a more long-term depth option in Detroit.

Signed Tight end Ross Dwelley to the 53-man roster

With Shane Zylstra out, the Lions brought in Dwelly to be on the practice squad last week. Dwelly played just four snaps on offense on Monday night, but had a really standout game on special teams. Dwelly is in his eighth season. He's spent most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers.