The Detroit Lions made a roster move early Monday morning, officially announcing the signing of cornerback Nick Whiteside. This addition boosts the team’s depth in the secondary as they continue shaping their 90-man roster during training camp.
Whiteside joins the Lions after spending the 2025 season with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). While with the Battlehawks, the 6-foot defensive back made a solid impression, recording 16 tackles and one fumble recovery during the regular season. He also contributed four tackles in the postseason, showcasing his physical presence and potential value on defense and special teams.
Before his stint in the UFL, Whiteside had a brief opportunity in the NFL. He appeared in two games for the Washington Commanders during the 2023 season. Despite flashes of promise, he did not survive the final roster cuts at the end of the 2024 training camp and was released as the Commanders trimmed down to the 53-man regular-season roster.
Whiteside’s signing comes shortly after the Lions released another cornerback, Stantley Thomas-Oliver, over the weekend. The move indicates a continued effort by Detroit’s front office and coaching staff to find the right mix of talent and depth in a highly competitive secondary unit.
Currently, the Lions have a strong core of cornerbacks at the top of the depth chart. First-round rookie Terrion Arnold is expected to play a major role this season, alongside D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, and Ennis Rakestraw. Veteran contributors such as Avonte Maddox, Khalil Dorsey, and Rock Ya-Sin round out what appears to be a formidable group.
For Whiteside, this is another opportunity to prove he belongs in the NFL. With his UFL experience and brief NFL exposure, he enters training camp looking to make an impact and earn a more permanent role on the team. Special teams could be a key area where he makes his case, as fringe players often secure roster spots through contributions outside their primary position.
The Lions’ cornerback competition is heating up, and Whiteside will need to perform well in practices and preseason games to climb the depth chart. His signing adds another intriguing name to watch as Detroit prepares for the 2025 NFL season.
