The Detroit Lions are moving quickly to reinforce their injury-ravaged defense. According to Adam Schefter, the team is signing veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander from the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. Alexander brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to a Lions defense that has been heavily impacted by injuries.
Alexander, a 2015 fourth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has built a solid 10-year career in the NFL. His accomplishments include a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 and career totals of 639 tackles (54 for loss), 13.5 sacks, and 34 passes defended over 90 starts. Despite his achievements, Alexander’s career has been hampered by significant injuries. He tore his Achilles in 2020, missed part of the 2021 season with an elbow injury, and tore his other Achilles in November 2023.
However, Alexander has demonstrated resilience and the ability to bounce back. This season, he started two games for the Broncos, showcasing his skills with a standout performance in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens, earning an impressive 92.5 grade from Pro Football Focus. Additionally, Alexander has a connection to the Lions’ coaching staff, having spent two seasons with the New Orleans Saints (2020-2021), which could ease his transition into Detroit’s system.
At 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds, Alexander is slightly undersized for a linebacker. However, his build aligns well with that of Malcolm Rodriguez, a Lions linebacker who reportedly suffered a torn ACL on Thanksgiving Day against the Chicago Bears. Rodriguez, who measures 5-foot-11 and 234 pounds, has been an important part of Detroit’s defensive lineup, and Alexander’s addition provides a comparable replacement in terms of physical profile and skill set.
Alexander joins a Lions linebacker group that has been severely impacted by injuries. In addition to Rodriguez, Detroit has lost Alex Anzalone (broken forearm), Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck injury), and Derrick Barnes (knee) to injured reserve. The team’s depth at the position is being tested, with Jack Campbell, David Long, Ezekiel Turner, and Trevor Nowaske also expected to step up in the absence of key players.
Detroit’s decision to add Alexander reflects their commitment to maintaining a competitive defense despite the challenges they face. His experience and proven playmaking ability could help stabilize the linebacker corps and provide leadership for younger players. While concerns about his injury history remain, Alexander’s recent performances suggest he still has plenty to offer on the field.
As the Lions push toward their playoff ambitions, the signing of Alexander demonstrates their focus on filling critical gaps and ensuring the defense can withstand the strain of a grueling season. For Alexander, this opportunity represents another chapter in a career defined by perseverance and resilience, as he looks to make an immediate impact in Detroit.
