According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Detroit Lions have signed wide receiver Kaden Davis to their 90-man roster. Davis was with the team this weekend as part of the rookie minicamp trial group. Terrion Arnold, the Lions’ first-round choice, intercepted a ball meant for him. Davis initially beats Arnold on the crosser, but when the play breaks down, he cannot break loose on a downfield approach.
Davis enters the league in 2022 as an undrafted receiver from Northwest Missouri State. He spent his first season on and off the Denver Broncos practice squad, but he became much more active in 2023. First, he played five games with the Michigan Panthers in the United States Football League. Davis, the primary kickoff returner, amassed 311 yards on 12 tries (25.9 average), while also catching eight passes in 83 years.
After the USFL season ended, Davis joined the Arizona Cardinals. He spent the whole season on their practice squad, but was called up for one game in December (but did not play). In the preseason, Davis caught eight catches for 73 yards and a score, as well as 27 yards on two punt returns.
Davis, who was previously classified at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, adds some inside-outside versatility, but his path to the 53-man roster will be challenging. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are established starters. While Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Antoine Green appear to be the main depth.
After that, veterans Maurice Alexander and Tom Kennedy will likely compete for a place or two on the 53-man roster against Davis and undrafted rookies Isaiah Williams and Jalon Calhoun.
The Lions are still looking for a full-time kickoff returner, which might offer Davis an advantage over the competition.
Once this deal is completed, the Lions will have 89 players on their roster.
