The Detroit Lions are bringing in a fresh face with a notable NFL connection. According to a report by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions have signed wide receiver Jackson Meeks to an undrafted free agent (UDFA) deal. Meeks, who played at both Georgia and Syracuse during his college career, is set to receive $200,000 in guaranteed money—an unusually large figure for an undrafted rookie. What makes this signing even more intriguing is Meeks’ family tie to a familiar NFL name: he is the nephew of veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
Za’Darius Smith recently became a free agent after being released by the Lions earlier this offseason. The move was seen as a financial decision, as it freed up approximately $11 million in salary cap space for Detroit over the next two seasons. Lions general manager Brad Holmes made it clear that Smith’s release had nothing to do with his performance on the field. In fact, Holmes suggested that a potential reunion with Smith remains on the table, depending largely on what Smith and his representatives decide moving forward.
