Ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, the Detroit Lions made two roster moves to bolster their linebacker unit. The team elevated young defensive back Morice Norris from the practice squad to the active roster, and signed veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander to the practice squad to fill the vacant spot. Alexander had been waived from the Lions’ practice squad earlier in the week.
49ers fans may remember Alexander as one of the notable free-agent signings during the early years of the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era. After starting his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Alexander entered free agency as one of the top linebackers available. Despite recovering from a torn ACL, the Niners offered Alexander a significant four-year deal with $25.5 million guaranteed.
However, Alexander struggled to meet expectations in San Francisco. Injuries kept him to only eight starts in his first season, and he played in just 13 games before being traded to the New Orleans Saints during the 2020 season. After spending a year and a half with the Saints, Alexander rejoined his former 49ers defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, by signing with the New York Jets in 2022. He played in all 17 games that season, starting 12. In 2023, Alexander joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, appearing in nine games and recording 41 tackles.
This season, Alexander has played in five games (four starts) between stints with the Detroit Lions and the Denver Broncos. Over his career, he has appeared in 109 games (92 starts), accumulating 643 tackles, 54 tackles for loss, 34 passes defended, 31 quarterback hits, 13.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, and 9 interceptions.
