Lions To Sign LB Damone Clark
Damone Clark is heading north. The former Cowboys, and Texans linebacker has signed with the Lions, per a team announcement.
Clark, 25, was a fifth-round pick out of LSU in 2022. He missed the first half of his rookie year due to spinal fusion surgery, but drew starts for five of his 10 appearances with a 59% snap share. He started every game for the Cowboys in 2023, but saw a significant role reduction in 2024 and was waived midway through last season.
The Texans claimed Clark off waivers and installed him as a core special teams contributor for the last six games of the season. He only played 23 snaps on defense, but saw the field for 131 special teams plays with a 78.7 grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
In Detroit, Clark will add dept to a linebacker room currently led by Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez. Veteran Trevor Nowaske re-signed with the Lions last week; he and Clark will likely serve as backups on defense with core roles on special teams in 2026.
Clark knows his new defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard, from their shared time at LSU. Sheppard, also an alum, served as the Tigers’ director of player development in 2020, Clark’s junior year at Baton Rouge.
OL Notes: Lions, Linderbaum, Steelers, Texans, Giants, Panthers, Browns, Saints
Winning a 49ers starting guard job to open last season, Ben Bartch ran into injury trouble and ultimately lost his job. The veteran interior O-lineman suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2, being part of another injury-riddled 49ers season. Upon return, Bartch did not reacquire his starting job. Bartch ended up suffering a foot sprain, after the 49ers used an IR activation on him, and played out his contract. The Lions have him on their radar, however, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson noting the NFC North team conducted a visit recently. A 24-game starter with Jacksonville and San Francisco, Bartch is heading into an age-28 season. Detroit signed Cade Mays to fill in at center, and the team returns starters Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany from last season.
Here is the latest from around the O-line groups:
- Not returning after a Week 12 neck injury, Broderick Jones underwent fusion surgery in his neck (according to the Pat McAfee Show‘s Mark Kaboly). It looked like a long shot Pittsburgh would exercise Jones’ fifth-year option ($19.07MM), and Omar Khan did not confirm Jones would be ready for training camp. That will make the left tackle position — in a stopgap scenario at the very least — one to monitor in Pittsburgh.
- Tyler Linderbaum‘s Raiders deal keeps looking more impressive. Already locked in to what is practically a three-year, $81MM fully guaranteed contract, the new Raiders center secured a no-tag clause for 2029, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. No center has been franchise- or transition-tagged since the Panthers cuffed Ryan Kalil with a franchise tag in 2011. Then again, no center (or guard) has approached Linderbaum’s $27MM-AAV accord. With tackles, guards and center grouped together on the tag, a 2029 Linderbaum tender would have been highly unlikely. But, showcasing the leverage the three-time Pro Bowler held in free agency, he secured this deal point anyway.
- The Giants re-signed Joshua Ezeudu earlier today; this came after the team hosted veteran guard Ryan Bates on a visit, Wilson adds. Bates spent the past two seasons with the Bears, starting only two games in two Chicago seasons, but he played out a four-year, $17MM Bills deal — one designed by Chicago via a 2022 RFA offer sheet — last season. The Giants have been stingy at guard despite making a strong push for Alijah Vera-Tucker, and options are dwindling. Though, ex-John Harbaugh Ravens charge Daniel Faalele remains available.
- Wyatt Teller played right guard throughout his Browns tenure, with LG staple Joel Bitonio in place on the other side for 12 seasons, but Wilson indicates a willingness on the new Texans signee’s part to switch sides. With 2025 Houston RG Ed Ingram re-signed, Wilson points to Teller playing left guard in 2026. Wilson also posits a scenario in which Evan Brown competes with incumbent Jake Andrews for the center position. While the Cardinals used Brown at guard over the past two seasons, he has logged full seasons at center — for the Seahawks and Lions — in the past.
- As Teller leaves Cleveland after six-plus seasons and Bitonio not certain to return, the Browns added three guard options (though, guard/tackle Tytus Howard is expected to play RT following a trade). Howard’s two-year, $45MM Browns extension includes $34.5MM guaranteed at signing, per OverTheCap. Option bonuses exist in 2027 ($18.41MM) and ’28 ($14.36MM), and $13.5MM of Howard’s 2027 compensation is guaranteed at signing. Howard is due a $4MM roster bonus in 2028, per Spotrac. Zion Johnson‘s three-year, $49.5MM Browns deal includes $27.83MM fully guaranteed, Wilson tweets. Two option bonuses are in place here, with Wilson adding the ex-Chargers guard will be due a $3MM roster bonus if on Cleveland’s roster by Day 3 of the 2028 league year. $13.57MM of Johnson’s 2027 compensation is fully guaranteed.
- The Saints‘ Dillon Radunz deal is worth $6.9MM over two years, with ESPN.com’s Katherine Terrell noting it includes $3.5MM guaranteed.
- Adding center Luke Fortner and tackle Stone Forsythe, the Panthers kept costs low for both. A 2025 Saints trade pickup, Fortner is tied to a one-year deal worth $2.75MM ($1.33MM guaranteed), Wilson adds. Coming over from the Raiders, Forsythe signed a one-year, $2MM pact with $500K guaranteed (per Wilson).
Lions To Sign DE D.J. Wonnum
The Lions are adding some much-needed pass-rushing depth. The team has agreed to a one-year contract with defensive end D.J. Wonnum, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The deal is worth up to $6MM.
Wonnum is returning to the NFC North, where he spent the first four years of his career in Minnesota. The Vikings chose the former South Carolina standout in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. While playing 62 of a possible 67 games on his four-year rookie contract, Wonnum piled up 23 sacks. He totaled a career-high eight in 2021 and ’23.
After his Vikings tenure concluded, Wonnum joined the Panthers on a two-year, $12.5MM agreement in March 2024. He went on to start in 23 of 24 games in Carolina. While a quad injury limited Wonnum to eight games in his first season with the Panthers, he still managed four sacks.
Wonnum was much healthier last season, in which he made a career-high 15 starts in 16 games and recorded a 65.09% defensive snap share. However, his sack total fell to three, tying the lowest mark of his career. The 28-year-old posted 42 tackles (four TFL), four QB hits, three passes defensed and his first career interception. Pro Football Focus ranked Wonnum’s performance a subpar 96th among 119 edge rushers.
In dire need of edge-rushing complements to Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions are buying relatively low on Wonnum. Hutchinson led the team with 14.5 sacks last season. Al-Quadin Muhammad finished second with 11, but he relocated to Tampa Bay in free agency. The Lions have also said goodbye to Tyrus Wheat (Cowboys) and Josh Paschal (released), while Marcus Davenport remains a free agent after two injury-shortened years in Detroit.
CB Darius Slay Retires
Darius Slay will not be returning to the Eagles in 2026. Instead, his attention will now turn to his post-playing days. 
Slay took to Instagram to announce his retirement on Monday. The veteran cornerback ended last season on the reserve/retired list after not reporting to the Bills to close out the campaign. It recently became clear any NFL return would only take place with Philadelphia. That will not be the case.
“I’ve been blessed to play the game I loved since I was 5 yrs old for an amazing 13 yrs at the highest level,” Slay’s retirement message reads in part. “Football was my peace, my joy, my everything. This game put me in a position to help take care of my family and loved ones and I’m forever grateful.”
Slay entered the NFL as a Lions draftee in 2013. The second-rounder was a rotational presence during his rookie campaign, but he operated as a full-time starter through the remainder of his career. Slay spent his first seven years in Detroit, a stretch highlighted by the 2017 season; that year, he led the NFL in both interceptions (eight) and pass deflections (26).
In March of 2020, Slay was traded to the Eagles. That deal provided Philadelphia with a standout contributor in the secondary. The Mississippi State product earned three of his six career Pro Bowl nods as an Eagle during a stretch from 2021-23. The following season, Slay was a key defensive presence as Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX. That title is one or many highlights on the former All-Pro’s resume.
Slay’s Eagles tenure seemed to be ending before he wound up remaining in place on a one-year pact for 2024. Last offseason, he joined the Steelers in free agency. A 10-game run (including nine starts) ensued, but things did not go according to plan. Slay was held without an interception for the second year in a row and he struggled in coverage. Pittsburgh’s decision to release him after the trade deadline led to a trip to the waiver wire. Slay’s preference was to return to the Eagles, but the Bills prevented that by putting in a claim.
In all, Slay totaled 198 regular and postseason games in the NFL. Having elected to hang up his cleats at the age of 35, he will depart the league with nearly $120MM in career earnings.
Lions To Sign CB Roger McCreary
The Lions have an agreement with veteran cornerback Roger McCreary, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports. The former Titan and Ram will sign a one-year deal with his new team.
A 2022 second-round pick from Auburn, McCreary emerged as a full-time starter during a 17-game rookie campaign. While dividing his time between the outside and the slot, McCreary played every snap in his debut season. He then logged a 92% snap share during a 15-game, 11-start second year. Although McCreary combined for 170 tackles, 14 passes defensed and two interceptions in his first two years, the Titans’ reliance on him began to drop.
Across 14 games and three starts in 2024, McCreary played just under 62% of defensive snaps. He hovered around the 60% mark over the Titans’ first eight games last season. With the team out of contention in late October, it traded the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder to the Rams for a late-round pick swap. McCreary did not end up a factor in Los Angeles, where he totaled just 38 defensive snaps in six games. The 26-year-old also spent time on IR with a hip injury.
McCreary, a 38-game starter with three career picks, lined up almost exclusively in the slot in the past two years. Amik Robertson took 287 snaps from the slot for the Lions last season, but he left this week to sign a two-year, $16MM pact with the Commanders. McCreary and fellow newcomer Christian Izien could help cover for Robertson’s departure.
Lions To Add TE Tyler Conklin
After a season with the Chargers, Tyler Conklin is heading back to the NFC North. The former Vikings and Jets tight end is joining the Lions, according to his agent.
Conklin saw his pass-catching momentum stall last season. The emergence of fifth-round rookie Oronde Gadsden II diminished Conklin’s standing in Los Angeles’ offense, but prior to that disappointing campaign, the former Minnesota fifth-rounder had been a consistent receiving option. He joins a Lions team that played much of last season without Sam LaPorta, who underwent back surgery in November.
Outplaying fellow 2022 Jets tight end signee C.J. Uzomah in New York, Conklin amassed at least 550 receiving yards each season from 2021-23. Creating a nice 2022 FA market after a 593-yard Vikings performance in his contract year, Conklin caught 58 passes for 552 yards and three touchdowns in Zach Wilson‘s second Jets season.
Although Wilson proved to be a megabust in New York, Conklin totaled a career-high 621 receiving yards in 2023 — after Aaron Rodgers went down four plays into the season. With Davante Adams joining the Jets during the 2024 season, Conklin saw his numbers dip a bit after Rodgers’ return (51/449/4) but still brought a quality auxiliary option.
Playing out a three-year, $20.25MM Jets deal, Conklin landed only a one-year pact worth $3MM from the Chargers. The 30-year-old TE caught just seven passes for 101 yards in 13 games as a Charger. The Bolts rostered Will Dissly alongside Gadsden last year as well, though they have since released him.
This represents a homecoming for Conklin, who is a Chesterfield, Mich., native. Conklin also played his college ball in the state, suiting up for Central Michigan. Conklin combined for 11 TD grabs during his final two seasons with the Chippewas. He will represent a solid receiving option behind LaPorta, giving the Lions some insurance. Blocking option Brock Wright remains on the roster as well, though he is now in a contract year two offseasons after the team matched his 49ers RFA offer sheet.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/12/26
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Re-signed: CB Starling Thomas
- Signed: DE Jonah Williams
Chicago Bears
- Re-signed: S Elijah Hicks, G Jordan McFadden
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: OL Matt Hennessy
Detroit Lions
- Re-signed: WR Tom Kennedy, LB Trevor Nowaske
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: WR Dareke Young
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: LB Grant Stuard
New York Jets
- Re-signed: OL Xavier Newman-Johnson
Seattle Seahawks
- Re-signed: FB Brady Russell
- Released: CB Tyler Hall
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: S Miles Killebrew
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: S Jerrick Reed
Lions To Sign DB Christian Izien
The Lions are adding some more insurance to their secondary after an injury-riddled 2025 season. Former Buccaneers safety Christian Izien is headed to Detroit on a one-year deal, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The pact is worth $2MM, including $1MM guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Izien, 25, signed in Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and carved out a role as the team’s primary nickel defender. He appeared in every game with four starts and a 64% snap share, allowing 6.9 yards per target and bringing in two interceptions.
The Buccaneers increased and diversified Izien’s role in 2024 with rookie safety Tykee Smith taking over as the full-time nickel. Izien started 10 out of his 14 appearances with a 75% snap share and moved all around the defense with 308 snaps at free safety, 205 snaps in the slot, and 135 in the box, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). His coverage stats improved and he also ranked fourth on the team with 75 tackles.
Izien was pushed out of the secondary rotation in 2025. Rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish took over in the slot, which pushed Smith into Izien’s 2024 role. Izien did not play more than two defensive snaps in a game until December and finished the year with just 166 total, though he did the most special teams work of his career.
The Buccaneers declined to place a restricted free agent tag on Izien, clearing his path to Detroit. The Lions did not have a dedicated nickel in 2025, but Izien could fill that role in 2026. He may even step into bigger duties early on with star safety duo Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph both recovering from significant leg injuries.
NFL Restructures: Jackson, Goff, Falcons, Packers, Panthers, Colts
Austin Jackson has been unable to stay healthy for a sizable chunk of his Dolphins career, and the veteran right tackle is accepting a pay cut in the final year of his contract. The Dolphins are reducing Jackson’s 2026 compensation to $7MM, ESPN.com’s Marcel Louis-Jacques tweets. The move created $8.5MM in cap space for Miami. Tied to a three-year deal worth $36MM, Jackson was to carry a $15.39MM cap number on the Dolphins’ 2026 payroll. That number is down to $6.9MM.
The Dolphins extended Jackson late in the 2023 season but saw him miss nine games in 2024 and 11 in 2025. This came after 15 absences in 2022. Jackson timed his 16-game 2023 season well, as it convinced then-Dolphins GM Chris Grier to extend him. A season-ending knee injury sidelined Jackson in November 2024, and he experienced a recovery setback during 2025 training camp. A toe injury sustained in Week 1 led Jackson to IR last season. The seventh-year veteran is still on track for free agency in 2027, but rather than try his luck on the market this year coming off two injury-marred seasons, the former first-round pick accepted this trim.
Here are the other deals recently restructured around the NFL:
- The Lions currently sit at $35MM-plus in cap space, getting there after releasing Taylor Decker and trading David Montgomery to the Texans. The main reason Detroit is that far under the cap, however, came when the team restructured Jared Goff‘s deal. The sixth-year Lions QB will see $40MM of his base salary converted into a bonus, per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, who notes a void year has been added to the deal. This saves $32MM in cap space for the Lions, who joined the Bills, Chiefs, Cowboys and Ravens in completing a recent QB restructure. Goff’s 2027 and ’28 cap hits are now beyond $62MM, likely leading the Lions to go to this well again.
- The Falcons are using the Jake Matthews contract to create more than $10MM in cap space. Matthews will see his salary knocked down to $2MM, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson noting a $14MM signing bonus will now be prorated into future years. As Connor Byrne’s Falcons Offseason Outlook noted, Matthews’ $27.27MM cap hit was the highest on the Falcons’ payroll. It is now at $16.77MM, saving the team nearly $10MM. One void year is now on this two-year, $45MM extension.
- Adam La Rose’s Packers Offseason Outlook noted Aaron Banks carried the third-largest cap hit on the roster ($24.79MM). That is now down to $12MM. The $12MM-plus in savings come from the team converting most of the guard’s salary into a signing bonus, Wilson adds. Two void years have also been added to Banks’ four-year, $77MM contract.
- Beyond the Michael Pittman Jr. salary dump and Daniel Jones‘ extension to move off the transition tag, the Colts created cap space by restructuring left tackle Bernhard Raimann‘s deal. Indianapolis dropped Raimann’s base salary to $2MM, moving his cap number from $17.51MM to $9.26MM. This $8MM-plus in savings will lead to two $2MM roster bonuses being inserted into the deal (in 2028 and ’29), Wilson adds. The adjustment also balloons the LT’s 2027 cap number to $30.61MM.
- Derrick Brown carried the top Panthers cap hit entering March ($24.5MM), but Wilson adds it has been reduced to $10.95MM via a restructure. The Panthers saved nearly $14MM in cap space here on a contract that runs through the 2028 season. The cost-saving move does inflate Brown’s two future Carolina cap numbers past $31MM, however.
Lions Release DE Josh Paschal
After missing the 2025 season through injury, Josh Paschal will not return to the Lions. The fifth-year defensive end has been released, per a team announcement.
Paschal, 26, was a second-round pick in 2022. He missed at least three games in each of his first three season and did not play at all in 2025 due to offseason back surgery. He spent the year on the non-football injury list and his contract tolled as a result, which would have allowed the Lions to keep him in 2026 for the final year of his rookie deal.
Instead, they will let him hit the open market, where he will likely need to take a one-year, ‘prove-it’ deal to rebuild his stock after so many injuries. The 275-pound defensive end is a decent run-stopper but has not made a consistent contribution in the pass rush. He recorded five tackles for loss in 2023 and 2024 but just five sacks in his career. His pass rush win rate, which started at a solid 8.6% as a rookie, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), fell below 6.0% in each of the next two years.
The Lions will need to add some depth off the edge with Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad also hitting free agency. The team currently lacks a clear starter opposite Aidan Hutchinson, but the ranks of available defensive ends has thinned in the last two days.