Detroit Lions find secondary depth, agreeing to terms with defensive back Christian Izien
Allen Park — In need of both nickel and safety depth, the Detroit Lions are killing two birds with one stone, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with defensive back Christian Izien.
Undrafted out of Rutgers in 2023, Izien has spent his entire three-year pro career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he appeared in 45 games and made 15 starts.
After primarily playing in the slot as a rookie, Izien had a more versatile role in his second season, making 10 starts and splitting his time between free safety, nickel and box alignments.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder tallied 75 tackles in 2024, including 48 solo stops, but was also assessed a high number of missed tackles, ranging from 8-18, depending on the source.
Izien also has three career interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter against the Lions that helped seal a Buccaneers’ victory in 2024.
In 2025, the Buccaneers selected one of the top nickel prospects in the draft, Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish. After what was reported to be a highly competitive camp battle, Parrish earned the top spot on the depth chart.
As a reserve, Izien was limited to a career-low 166 defensive snaps last season. He also chipped in a career-high 179 reps on special teams, where he’s averaged 147 during his three-year career.
In Detroit, Izien will presumably compete with former second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw for the starting nickel role.
Not for nothing, but our pick ups today: Tom Kennedy and Christian Izien. We’re making a statement. Not sure it’s what I’d hoped for.
Bucs beat writers and fans seem to miss him already based on social media posts, always a good sign when you're a rotational player