Gill went undrafted in 2020 but stayed with the Buccaneers for four seasons, playing in 40 games. He was mainly used on special teams, logging 768 special teams snaps and just 184 on defense.
He missed the entire 2022 season due to a Lisfranc injury in the preseason. Despite limited defensive time, Gill recorded 13 pressures and 2.5 sacks.
In 2024, Gill joined the Carolina Panthers. He injured his ankle in the final preseason game—where he made two tackles and a sack—and was later released with an injury settlement.
Standing at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Gill compares somewhat to Derrick Barnes (6-foot, 240 pounds). With Barnes on injured reserve, Gill might fill Detroit’s SAM linebacker role.
Though most of his experience is on the defensive line as an EDGE player, his size and athletic ability could help him adapt to a different role.
However, before focusing on defense, Gill will likely need to contribute on special teams to earn a promotion to the game day roster. He has plenty of special teams experience, which could make him an early contributor.
The Lions have not officially announced this signing, as their practice squad already has the maximum of 16 players. However, they had an open spot on the 53-man roster, so it seems likely that a practice squad player will be promoted soon.
UPDATE: The Lions made the Gill signing official and announced the signing of edge defender Al-Quadin Muhammad to the practice squad. To make room for both, Detroit released safety Erick Hallett and kicker Matthew McCrane from the practice squad.
Muhammad was a sixth-round pick for the Saints in 2017, overlapping with both coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
He has since played for the Colts (2018-21), Bears (2022), Colts (2023), and Cowboys (2024). In his six-year NFL career, he has appeared in 84 games, starting 34, and recorded 12.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 157 tackles.
Like Gill, Muhammad is listed as a linebacker but is more of an edge defender. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, he is slightly bigger than Gill and has more defensive experience. However, Gill has more special teams experience (786 snaps compared to Muhammad’s 323).
