The Detroit Lions made another defensive move on Wednesday, adding a familiar NFL veteran to the secondary right as the playoff push heats up. Detroit officially claimed safety Jalen Mills off waivers after the Houston Texans let him go earlier in the week.
And yes, this is the same Jalen Mills who played key roles in Philadelphia and New England over the past decade. Suddenly, the Lions’ defensive backfield has a lot more experience.
What Detroit Is Getting in Jalen Mills
Mills, now 31, doesn’t need much introduction around the league. He’s played 119 career games with 92 starts since being drafted by the Eagles in the seventh round back in 2016.
This season in Houston, Mills appeared in four games, logging:
- 48 defensive snaps
- 31 special teams snaps
- 4 total tackles
While those numbers aren’t flashy, the Lions aren’t bringing him in to be a long-term starter; they’re adding someone who’s seen everything the NFL can throw at you. With injuries piling up in Detroit’s secondary, having a veteran capable of stepping in at safety or corner is exactly the type of depth smart playoff teams look for.
The Corresponding Move
To make room on the 53-man roster, the Lions waived tight end Hayden Rucci. Rucci hadn’t carved out a consistent offensive role, and Detroit has been shuffling depth behind Sam LaPorta and James Mitchell all season.
The move signals one thing clearly: the Lions want more stability in the secondary, and Mills brings it immediately.
Why This Move Matters
Detroit has been battling through defensive injuries for weeks, especially in the backend. Adding someone with Mills’ versatility, experience, and familiarity with multiple defensive schemes gives coordinator Kelvin Sheppard a reliable plug-and-play option.
If the Lions want to tighten up defensively heading into the stretch run, this is the type of no-nonsense roster move that can quietly make a difference.
Recent Comments