The Detroit Lions’ preseason has just begun, and the team is already reshuffling the depth chart. On Sunday, the Lions announced that Justin Herron, Colby Sorsdal, and Kenny Yeboah have been placed on injured reserve. They have likely suffered season ending injuries before Week 1. With the regular season approaching, the Lions needed to fill four roster spots. Detroit turned to the UFL, signing Gunner Britton, Keaton Sutherland, Deon Jackson, and Gunnar Oakes. For the Lions, it’s a practical move to shore up depth; for the UFL, it’s another sign that the league has become a talent pipeline for the NFL.
Lions Adding Proven Talent from the UFL
Former Birmingham starting tackle Britton helped anchor one of the UFL’s most balanced offenses in 2025. He had a strong season, playing 386 offensive snaps and earning a PFF 66.9 overall grade. Britton allowed just one quarterback hit, nine hurries, and 10 total pressures on 185 pass-rush attempts. He posted a 97.3 percent pass-blocking efficiency. His Stallions teammate, Sutherland, showed his own value on 527 total snaps — 340 in pass protection and 187 as a run blocker. He earned a 68.5 pass-blocking grade. At 6-foot-5 and 316 pounds, his experience at a number of line spots could be useful for Detroit’s depth along the front.
In the backfield, Jackson is coming off a productive season with the D.C. Defenders, where his physicality was on display. He was third in the league in rushing with 417 yards in 10 games, totaling four touchdowns. His 80.1 rushing grade and 91.2 run-blocking grade suggest that he could play on early downs or in short-yardage situations.
The lone pass-catcher of the bunch, Oakes hails from the Michigan Panthers, where he logged 404 offensive snaps and 14 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns. A 6-foot-5, 256-pounder with red-zone size and blocking upside, he’ll now join one of the NFL’s deepest tight end rooms alongside Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.
The Lions have brought in four players from the UFL who have proved they can contribute to the NFL. Whether these additions become long-term or short-term depth pieces, Detroit has tapped into a growing secondary market for NFL-ready talent.
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[…] the only UFL standout making the jump. Offensive tackle Gunner Britto and guard Keaton Sutherland signed with the Lions this summer, joining a growing list of players using the spring season to keep their careers alive. None […]