The Lions are keeping fullback Jason Cabinda in place for the near future. Per a team announcement, he has signed an extension that runs through the 2023 season, preventing him from becoming a restricted free agent in March.
The 25-year-old signed as an undrafted free agent out of Penn State with the Raiders in 2018. At that point, he was a linebacker, and made 21 tackles across ten games as a rookie. He signed on to the Lions’ practice squad at the start of the following season, however, which started his process of transitioning to the offensive side of the ball.
A core special teamer, Cabinda didn’t see notable offensive playing time until 2020. He logged 130 snaps that season, and another 141 in 2021, totalling 10 touches and 47 scrimmage yards between the two campaigns. 2021 also included his first career touchdown.
Cabinda also made his presence felt off the field, as he was the Lions’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award this past season. That’s part of the reason he became one of head coach Dan Campbell‘s favorite players, earning him a new contract to stay in place as the team attempts to turn around from having the NFC’s worst record from last year.