The Detroit Lions are not yet ready to let go of a former wide receiver. According to sources, the Lions are re-signing Tom Kennedy, making him their longest-tenured player.

Lions expert Jeremy Reisman of the Pride of Detroit was the first to break the news. The details of the new deal have yet to be made public, but this season would be Kennedy's seventh year with the team since joining in 2019.

Kennedy was a restricted free agent going into the offseason. However, the Lions didn’t quote the wide receiver contract offers, making him an unrestricted free agent. If the Lions had offered him a contract, it would have cost them $3.64 million.

The franchise’s strategic move has likely helped them save some money in the fresh contract.

This is not the first time Kennedy has been released and re-signed by the Lions. And like previous times, he is expected to join the practice squad before he gets on the active roster.

Even in 2025, Kennedy spent most of his time on the practice roster, playing only six games. One of his biggest games last season was against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. He ended the game with four catches.

The Lions head coach, Dan Campbell, has praised Kennedy's work ethic in the past. During a press conference last season, Campbell called him an "instinctive" player who can play "all the positions."

"He’s instinctive. He can play all the positions. Every time he had a chance to make a play or get in position to make a play, he made a play. He’s always done that. There are all these circumstances that come into play, and the guy’s overcome a ton."

Even Kennedy has admitted when asked the reason the team likes to come back to him, "I think trust from the coaching staff. And then just, you know, when I do get an opportunity, making the most of it."

The Lions' dealings with Kennedy show they had a plan going into free agency.

Detroit Lions Have Made Calculated Moves in Free Agency

The Lions didn’t go all out in free agency, even though there was big news surrounding them in the last few days. One of their best moves was signing Teddy Bridgewater.

With Kyle Allen leaving for the Buffalo Bills, the Lions needed a backup QB for themselves. In addition to his veteran presence, Bridgewater could be a massive help in the locker room when the season starts. 

Isiah Pacheco was also a big signing who could fill the running back role previously handled by David Montgomery. Additionally, Detroit was also able to sign him to a team-friendly one-year, $1.81 million contract. 

Aside from Tom Kennedy, two of the best re-signings were of Malcolm Rodriguez and Rock Ya-Sin. Rodriguez has established himself as a great contributor despite his ACL injury in 2024. With Alex Anzalone gone, he might get more opportunities in defensive assignments.

On the other hand, Ya-Sin has previously upped his game when the Lions were wailing with injuries. The Lions made a smart move, giving him a one-year, $4 million deal. He is now crucial as a cornerback with Amik Robertson leaving for the Washington Commanders.

Do you think Kennedy will get more chances this year? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen