The Detroit Lions have officially released former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander from their active roster. Despite parting ways with him, Detroit remains interested in bringing Alexander back to their practice squad. However, even as the Lions’ linebacker corps has been depleted by injuries, Alexander has found himself on the outside looking in.
Alexander’s brief stint with the Lions began when he was signed off the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. At the time, Detroit was dealing with multiple injuries in their linebacker room, and Alexander’s experience made him a viable option to bolster their depth. The 29-year-old linebacker has been in the NFL for nearly a decade, bringing valuable leadership and veteran presence to every team he’s joined.
During his time with the Broncos earlier this season, Alexander appeared in three games. Denver elevated him from the practice squad each week as they managed their own linebacker injury issues. After exhausting his three allowed elevations, Alexander’s future with the Broncos became uncertain, leading to his opportunity with Detroit.
Alexander’s journey to Detroit followed a challenging 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Initially serving as a backup, he was thrust into a starting role after Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb suffered a season-ending knee injury.Â
Alexander performed admirably in Holcomb’s absence but was met with misfortune when he tore his Achilles tendon during a game against the Green Bay Packers. The injury prematurely ended his season, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season and much of the offseason.
Following a lengthy rehab process, Alexander was cleared to resume football activities and began working out for teams across the league. The Broncos eventually signed him, giving him another shot to prove his value. In his three appearances with Denver, Alexander recorded three tackles and forced a fumble, demonstrating flashes of the playmaking ability that once made him a Pro Bowl linebacker.
Alexander’s release from the Lions does not mark the end of his NFL journey. Over the course of his career, he has played for a wide range of teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Steelers, Broncos, and now the Lions. His experience and resilience suggest that another opportunity may arise, whether in Detroit or elsewhere.
