The Detroit Lions have signed a nine-member undrafted rookie class, including quarterback Luke Altmyer from Illinois. This signing aims to bolster the team's roster, potentially providing a backup for Jared Goff.
Key points
Detroit Lions signed nine undrafted rookies
Luke Altmyer is a quarterback from Illinois
The signing aims to strengthen the team's roster
Includes three defensive linemen and a tight end
Altmyer could serve as a backup for Jared Goff
Mentioned in this story
Jared GoffIllinoisTennessee
Detroit LionsLuke Altmyer
The Detroit Lions officially signed their nine-member undrafted rookie class on Tuesday, May 12.
The group includes a potential future backup for Jared Goff, three more defensive linemen and a block-first tight end who started his college career at Alabama and finished it at Tennessee.
Here's a look at the players the Lions signed as undrafted rookies:
Luke Altmyer, QB, Illinois
Luke Altmyer #9, Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Luke Altmyer #9, Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The buzz: Three-year starter at Illinois who transferred from Ole Miss and finished with 7,924 passing yards in his career. Lions assistant Marques Tuiasosopo coached Altmyer at the Senior Bowl.
Aamaris Brown, DB, UNLV
The buzz: Had four interceptions and 3½ sacks in 13 starts last year. Had four interceptions in three seasons at South Florida after two years at Kansas State.
Erick Hunter, LB, Morgan State
Q&A
Who is Luke Altmyer and what college did he play for?
Luke Altmyer is a quarterback who played for the University of Illinois.
What is the significance of the Detroit Lions signing undrafted rookies?
Signing undrafted rookies allows the Lions to enhance their roster depth and find potential talent without the constraints of the draft.
How many players did the Detroit Lions sign as undrafted free agents?
The Detroit Lions signed a total of nine undrafted free agents.
Who is the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions?
The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions is Jared Goff.
Related Articles
Sports
Khamzat Chimaev to make RAF 10 debut against Dillon Danis weeks after losing UFC title
Khamzat Chimaev's RAF debut against Dillon Danis is set for June 13!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Panthers GM Dan Morgan is asked if QB Bryce Young is in a 'prove-it' situation
Panthers GM Dan Morgan discusses Bryce Young's need to prove himself
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Golf
Judge Rules Tiger Woods Must Turn Over His Prescription Records to Prosecutors
Judge Orders Tiger Woods to Turn Over Prescription Records in Accident Case
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
NFL analyst explains 1 wish the Dolphins should have for 2026 schedule
What do the Dolphins wish for in their 2026 schedule?
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Mets officially promote A.J. Ewing, DFA Andy Ibáñez
Mets promote top prospect A.J. Ewing and DFA Andy Ibáñez.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
PWHL draft class headed by 5 US gold medal-winning Olympians, including Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey
PWHL draft class includes 5 U.S. Olympic gold medalists, led by Caroline Harvey.
Nov 29, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina (47) before the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina (47) before the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The buzz: Had 56 tackles last season, the most by a Cal defensive lineman since Cam Jordan had 62 in 2010. Run-stopper spent his first four seasons at Notre Dame.
Miles Kitselman, TE, Tennessee
The buzz: Block-first tight end who started at Hutchinson Community College and played at two seasons at Alabama before finishing at Tennessee. Caught 26 passes in 11 starts last year for the Volunteers.
Anthony Lucas, EDGE, USC
The buzz: Started his college career at Texas A&M, had three sacks in 2025. Honorable mention All-Big Ten selection last year by coaches.
Eric O'Neill, Edge, Rutgers
Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) is brought down by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Eric O'Neill (99) during the first half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) is brought down by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Eric O'Neill (99) during the first half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
The buzz: Started final 47 games of his career with stops at Long Island University and James Madison before playing last season at Rutgers. Had 13 sacks and 18½ tackles for loss at James Madison in 2024, and 2½ sacks at Rutgers in 2025.
Melvin Priestly, OG, Illinois
The buzz: Started two years at right tackle and played more than 1,200 snaps at left tackle in his career.
De'Shawn Rucker, CB, USF
The buzz: Played three seasons at Tennessee. Blocked a punt against Alabama as a freshman in 2021 and had first career interception last fall.
