On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions announced they have tendered the following exclusive rights free agents: DE Brandon Copeland, DE Kerry Hyder and WR TJ Jones.
#Lions tender three exclusive rights free agents: https://t.co/pjDHzgBuhA pic.twitter.com/huZLqASzz6
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) March 8, 2017
From Detroit Lions Media Room:
Copeland enters his third NFL season after appearing in all 16 games the last two seasons for the Lions. He made his first-career start in 2016 and finished the year with 11 tackles (seven solo) and one forced fumble, as well as five special teams tackles.
After spending the majority of the 2015 season as a member of the Lions practice squad, Hyder emerged last season to lead the Detroit defense with a career-high eight sacks. He recorded two multi-sack games (2.0, 9/11 at Ind; 2.0, 11/6 at Min) and finished the season with 36 total tackles (23 solo), one fumble recovery and one pass defense.
Jones appeared in three games in 2016 after beginning the season on the Lions practice squad. He finished the season with five receptions for 93 yards, including a career-long 36-yard reception at New Orleans (12/4).
