Aidan Keanaaina UDFA Profile: Cal DT Earns $300K Guaranteed from Lions

(Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images)

Aidan Keanaaina enters the NFL as one of the more intriguing undrafted free agents in the Detroit Lions’ 2026 class, not just because of his size and production, but because of the rare financial commitment Detroit made to secure him. The former California Golden Bears defensive tackle reportedly received $300,000 guaranteed, a strong indication the organization views him as more than just a camp body.

Keanaaina’s college career was a steady progression built on physicality and consistency in the trenches. After beginning at Notre Dame, where he saw limited action and totaled just 11 tackles across multiple seasons, he transferred to Cal and quickly became a key piece of the defensive front. California Golden Bears football In 2024, his first full season with the Bears, Keanaaina played all 13 games and recorded 45 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a quarterback hurry. That production is notable for an interior defensive lineman in a scheme designed to occupy blockers and free up linebackers.

He followed that up with another productive campaign in 2025, finishing with 56 total tackles and 1.5 sacks, bringing his career total to 111 tackles and three sacks across his collegiate career. While those numbers may not jump off the page compared to edge rushers, they reflect a player who consistently controlled the line of scrimmage and played a high-volume role inside.

One of Keanaaina’s most notable performances came during the 2024 season, where his interior presence helped anchor a Cal defense that remained competitive against top conference opponents. His ability to absorb double teams and still generate tackles made him one of the more reliable run defenders in the ACC, earning him an honorable mention all-conference nod and a strong 79.0 grade from Pro Football Focus—ranking among the top defensive tackles returning to the conference.

Physically, Keanaaina fits the mold of a traditional NFL nose tackle. He measured in at 6-foot-3 and approximately 320 pounds, giving him the size and mass to anchor against the run at the next level. His combine and testing profile reflects more of a power player than an explosive athlete. He posted an estimated 5.15-second 40-yard dash, which is typical for interior linemen of his size. While full combine testing numbers such as vertical jump and three-cone drill were not widely reported, his evaluation has consistently centered on strength, leverage and motor rather than elite athleticism.