Before their first day of full pads on Monday, the Detroit Lions added depth to their linebacker room by signing journeyman Malik Jefferso. This was one of several transactions the franchise made on Saturday afternoon.
Jefferson, 27, was the Cincinnati Bengals’ third-round selection out of Texas in the 2018 NFL Draft. The University of Texas product has played 38 career games, registering 19 tackles over six seasons. In addition to the Bengals, Jefferson has played for the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, and Dallas Cowboys—his most recent stint—as well as the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans.
Last season with the Cowboys, Jefferson played in three games, registering three tackles, including one for loss. He totaled 61 snaps on special teams.
While the Mesquite (Texas) native hasn’t made much of an impact during any of his stops in the NFL, Jefferson had a decorated collegiate career, earning First-team All-Big 12 and Second-team All-American honors in 2017 while playing for the Longhorns. That same year, he was also named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Along with bringing in Jefferson, the Lions made additional moves on Saturday, placing kicker Michael Badgley on injured reserve. On Friday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed that Badgley suffered a season-ending injury during warmups before practice.
The Lions also moved offensive lineman Christian Mahogany to the Non-Football Illness list and waived offensive lineman Matt Farniok with an injury settlement. Mahogany, who is currently battling an illness, has yet to participate in camp. The Lions selected the Florida State standout in the sixth round of this year’s NFL Draft, which was held in Detroit.
