The Detroit Lions have officially brought back defensive end Mitchell Agude, as announced on Monday.
This move comes as a bit of a surprise since Agude was an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) earlier this year. Typically, the Lions could have extended an ERFA tender, which would have left Agude with only two choices: sign a one-year, minimum-salary contract or sit out the season. However, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Detroit opted not to tender him, usually an indication that a player will be allowed to enter unrestricted free agency.
Despite this, Agude has returned to the team, though specific contract details have not been disclosed.
During his rookie campaign in 2023, Agude primarily spent time on the Lions’ practice squad. After re-signing in 2024, he remained in the same role for most of the season. However, due to injuries late in the year, he was elevated to the active roster for the final four regular-season games. In that span, he logged 40 defensive snaps and 55 special teams snaps, contributing three tackles and a forced fumble.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Agude is somewhat undersized for a traditional defensive end in Detroit’s system but offers versatility as a SAM linebacker depth piece. His preseason performance was impressive, leading the Lions with 12 tackles, including two for loss, along with another forced fumble.
Currently, Detroit’s edge rusher group consists of Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Isaac Ukwu, Nate Lynn, Derrick Barnes, and Agude.
For more updates on Detroit’s offseason transactions, check out the 2025 Detroit Lions offseason tracker and the contract/depth chart tracker.
