The Detroit Lions have re-signed safety Avonte Maddox during the fifth week of free agency, providing crucial depth for the team. His experience will be beneficial, especially if current safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are unable to play due to injuries.
The fifth week of Lions' free agency brought another safety to the team - or in this case back to the team. Avonte Maddox was valuable down the stretch last season for the Lions and may provide valuable insurance in case Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch can't go.
Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Avonte Maddox:
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season)
Contract: 1 year, $ pending
Concern level 5/10
Maddox has been highly available in the past two seasons, however he has a long prior injury history which presents reliability concerns. The toe, hamstring, knee, and possible spinal issue could all become a problem again.
On a 1-year deal as a backup, the health concerns are probably not a big deal. However, if he needs to be counted on for multiple games in a row, the reliability concerns could manifest.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions Free Agency Injury Analysis: Safety Avonte Maddox
Avonte Maddox serves as a safety for the Detroit Lions, providing depth and experience to the team's defensive lineup.
His signing offers valuable insurance for the Lions' defense, particularly if starting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are sidelined due to injuries.
The article does not specify the exact injuries affecting Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, but their health status is a concern that prompted the re-signing of Avonte Maddox.
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