Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander is headed to the Motor City to join the Detroit Lions, an NFC contender with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
This signing, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, comes as the Lions address depth issues in their linebacker corps due to a series of injuries sustained in recent games.
Alexander, who has been a journeyman in the league since leaving the Buccaneers in 2018, was most recently on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad.
The Lions saw an opportunity to add a veteran presence and seized the chance to bring Alexander into their ranks. His versatility and experience could prove invaluable as Detroit looks to solidify its defense heading into the final stretch of the season.
The 29-year-old linebacker began his NFL career in 2015 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft out of LSU. He quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2017.
During his four seasons in Tampa Bay, Alexander was a tackling machine, amassing 271 solo tackles, 109 assists, 7.0 sacks, six interceptions, and two fumble recoveries across 46 games. His speed and ability to diagnose plays made him a standout player on the Buccaneers’ defense.
After leaving Tampa Bay, Alexander’s career saw him don multiple uniforms. He signed a lucrative deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and was part of the team that reached Super Bowl LIV.
However, injuries limited his impact, and he was eventually traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2020. Over the next few years, Alexander played for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers before landing with the Broncos in 2024.
The Lions’ decision to sign Alexander signals their commitment to shoring up their linebacker unit, a critical component of their defense. The Lions, who currently lead the NFC North, have emerged as one of the top teams in the league this season.
Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, and a much-improved defense have put them in the conversation as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
With his wealth of experience and proven ability to make plays, Alexander brings an added dimension to the Lions’ defense. As Detroit aims for a deep playoff run, his addition could be a difference-maker in the team’s quest for its first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
