The NFL preseason is in full swing. With the start of the regular season just three weeks away, teams are putting the final touches on their rosters. As injuries start to pile up during training camp, teams are dipping back into the free-agent market to make new additions. This also opens up opportunities for players further down the NFL pecking order.
One of those players, who is a familiar face for Lions fans, just landed an opportunity. Nate Lynn, who spent the past two offseasons with the Detroit Lions, just signed with the New York Jets, per the team's official social media account.
Former preseason star for the Lions signs with the Jets
Lynn's name may not immediately ring a bell for some fans, but let's go down memory lane. Not only did Lynn spend the 2024 and 2025 offseasons in Detroit, but he was also a bright spot. Last year, he was considered a training camp standout and was one of the best performers in Detroit's four preseason games.
The defensive end made a ton of plays in the preseason, receiving an 87.9 defensive grade and a 90.6 pass rush grade in 108 defensive snaps on Pro Football Focus. He was by far the highest-graded Lions defender the entire preseason, finishing with a sack, a QB hit, and four tackles.
Considering that the Lions desperately needed more pass rush help, many wondered whether the formerly undrafted free agent could make the 53-man roster. The Lions opted to bring in four defensive ends: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Pat O'Connor, and Al-Quadin Muhammad. Lynn was waived as part of the final roster cuts and, surprisingly enough, was not brought back to the practice squad.
In fact, it took Lynn until November to land on the Titans' practice squad. He was never activated and was waived in the offseason.
Why Lynn hasn't been a more sought-after defender is hard to understand. He was even solid in the 2024 preseason when he suited up for the Lions before suffering a torn ligament in his shoulder that kept him out for the entire season. The 24-year-old has yet to make his NFL debut, but he will hope to turn things around with the Jets.
He has two more preseason games left to prove himself to his new team. The best-case scenario for the former William & Mary standout will be to earn a spot on a practice squad after the roster cutdown date. Whether he will be able to do that and finally get his NFL career going remains to be seen. Until then, he will be remembered for his surprisingly impressive preseason performances with the Lions.
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