The Detroit Lions lost veteran kicker Greg Joseph to the New York Giants on September 17. The Lions quickly found a replacement by signing Matt McCrane a day later.
Brownwood News’ Derrick Stuckly reported on September 18 that McCrane joined the Lions’ practice squad.
McCrane has spent the last two years kicking in the XFL and UFL. This marks his return to the NFL since January 2022.
“I’m excited for another shot at the big show,” McCrane told Stuckly. “The UFL has given me a great platform to showcase my talent, and I’m very thankful for that.
“I’ve been on five teams, and staying relevant in this league is crucial. No matter what happens next, I’m grateful for every opportunity.
It’s a grind, and you never know when the call will come. Today, it did.
McCrane played in five regular season games for the then-Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2018 season. Since then, he’s had stints with the Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles practice squads.
In the past two springs, McCrane continued his football career in the XFL and UFL. While kicking for the DC Defenders, he made 28 of 36 field goals in the 2023 and 2024 seasons combined.
Kicker Matt McCrane Joins Lions Practice Squad
After kicking for four seasons at Kansas State from 2014-17, McCrane signed with the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent. He didn’t make the team after training camp but got his first NFL shot in Week 4 with the Raiders.
In three games with the Raiders, McCrane made 5 of 9 field-goal attempts and all 5 extra points.
He finished the 2018 season kicking for the Cardinals in Week 11 and for the Steelers in Week 17. McCrane replaced an injured Chris Boswell in Pittsburgh’s season finale.
BIn a must-win game for the Steelers to reach the playoffs, McCrane made 3 of 3 field goals and his only extra-point attempt.
However, McCrane hasn’t appeared in another NFL regular season game since then. He spent 2020 with the Browns and 2021 with the Cardinals and Eagles, all on practice squads.
While thriving in the XFL and UFL the past two years, McCrane displayed a powerful leg. Over the past two springs, he connected on 6 of 8 field goals from 50 yards or more.
McCrane will replace Joseph on the Lions’ practice squad. The Giants were able to sign Joseph away from the Lions on September 17 by promoting him to the active roster.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, focusing on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions. A Pittsburgh native, he has covered college and pro sports for outlets such as FanSided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker.
