Lions adding veteran safety Daniel Thomas

(Getty Images)

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions are filling one of their four roster openings by signing veteran safety Daniel Thomas.

The news was first reported by ESPN.

A fifth-round pick out of Auburn in 2020, Thomas has spent his entire five-year career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, appearing in 71 games. His primary contributions have come on special teams. The 5-foot-10, 215-pounder has averaged nearly 240 snaps with those groups the past five seasons.

Defensively, Thomas has started just four games, and none since the 2021 season. He’s logged only 80 defensive snaps combined the past three years.

Thomas was released by the Jaguars earlier this week. As a vested veteran, he was not subject to waivers and free to sign with the team of his choosing.

By signing with Detroit, Thomas is reunited with Lions secondary coach DeShea Townsend, who coached the Jaguars' cornerbacks in 2022 and 2023 before coming to the Lions.

Despite the limited defensive resume, Thomas adds veteran depth to one of the thinnest spots on Detroit’s roster. Beyond the team’s starting tandem of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, Detroit was set to lean on Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox, two versatile veterans who have played far more cornerback than safety during their careers.

The Lions had a number of young contenders for a roster spot. However, the team ended up waiving four of them on Tuesday — Erick Hallett, Loren Strickland, Morice Norris and Ian Kennelly. Additionally, the Lions drafted Dan Jackson in the seventh round. Unfortunately, the rookie suffered a season-ending leg injury during training camp.