Lions add two defensive veterans, including former MSU linebacker

TL;DR

The Detroit Lions signed linebacker Joe Bachie and defensive tackle Jay Tufele, increasing their roster to 87 players. Bachie is a former Michigan State standout, while Tufele was a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Key points

Detroit Lions signed linebacker Joe Bachie
Lions also signed defensive tackle Jay Tufele
Roster now totals 87 players
Bachie is a former standout at Michigan State
Tufele was a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

Mentioned in this story

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Michigan StateUSCDetroit LionsJoe Bachie

The Detroit Lions on Wednesday signed linebacker Joe Bachie and defensive tackle Jay Tufele, bringing their roster total up to 87 players.

The Lions signed linebacker Joe Bachie (48) on Wednesday.

Bachie, a former standout at Michigan State (2016-19), went undrafted in 2020 but has carved out a role for himself across stints with the New Orleans Saints (2020), Philadelphia Eagles (2020), Cincinnati Bengals (2021-24), Indianapolis Colts (2025) and Tennessee Titans (2025). He's played 395 defensive snaps over 66 career appearances, including seven starts.

Tufele was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after playing four seasons at USC (2017-20), where he overlapped with Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Tufele has spent time with Jacksonville Jaguars (2021), Bengals (2022-24) and New York Jets (2025). He's recorded 27 total tackles and 10 pressures on 471 snaps over the last two seasons.

Q&A

Who are the new players signed by the Detroit Lions?

The Detroit Lions signed linebacker Joe Bachie and defensive tackle Jay Tufele.

What is Joe Bachie's background in the NFL?

Joe Bachie went undrafted in 2020 and has played for several teams, including the New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals, accumulating 395 defensive snaps in 66 appearances.