The Detroit Lions have added a promising piece to their defensive puzzle with the signing of undrafted free agent Keith Cooper Jr., a hybrid linebacker/defensive lineman from the University of Houston. Cooper, who went unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, became one of the most notable UDFA signings when the Lions offered him a lucrative deal that reflects their high expectations.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 259 pounds, Cooper is a powerful and agile defender who brings flexibility to the field. He began his collegiate career at Tulane, where he developed as a productive edge rusher, before transferring to Houston for his final season. In his college career, Cooper totaled 119 tackles, 14 sacks, and eight pass breakups, and he capped off his senior season by earning Second Team All-Conference honors. His stats and on-field versatility made him a standout among the undrafted talent pool.
The Lions’ investment in Cooper Jr. shows their serious interest. He received a $20,000 signing bonus and $125,000 in guaranteed salary—a combined $145,000 guarantee that ranks among the most generous offers given to a UDFA this year. It’s clear Detroit sees him as more than just a training camp body; they view him as a player who can seriously contend for a roster spot.
Cooper’s signing comes at a time when Detroit is looking to solidify depth on its defensive front. With questions surrounding the health and durability of key players like Alim McNeill, the Lions are betting on young, adaptable defenders to step up. Cooper fits the bill. He has experience lining up as a traditional defensive end, a stand-up edge rusher, and even dropped into coverage on occasion. That positional versatility is a valuable asset in today’s NFL, especially in defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme, which emphasizes hybrid looks and creative pressure packages.
Beyond the field, Cooper is known for his high character and strong work ethic. Coaches at both Tulane and Houston praised his leadership and coachability, traits that could help him stand out in Detroit’s competitive training camp environment. The Lions have built a culture around gritty, determined players who outperform expectations—something Cooper has done throughout his career.
While Cooper faces a steep challenge in making the final 53-man roster, his sizable guarantee gives him a real opportunity. At the very least, he’s a strong candidate for the practice squad, where he could continue to develop and serve as injury depth during the season.
In recent years, the Lions have had success with undrafted players making meaningful contributions. If Cooper continues to build on the momentum he showed in college, he could be the next in that line. For now, his signing represents a low-risk, high-upside move that could pay dividends for a team looking to make a deeper playoff run in 2025.
Keith Cooper Jr. may have gone undrafted, but Detroit’s belief in him makes him one of the most intriguing rookies to watch this offseason.
