With the 2025 NFL Draft only days away, free-agent signings are beginning to slow down as all 32 NFL teams put their final touches on their draft boards and hopefully draft future stars over the three-day event.
The Detroit Lions will be looking to add instant contributors with their seven picks. Before the draft starts on Thursday night, the Lions made a small re-signing in the trenches.
On Tuesday, the Lions announced that they re-signed third-year offensive lineman Michael Niese. The 27-year-old Niese joins tackle Dan Skipper and guard Kayode Awosika as the other backup o-lineman brought back by Detroit this offseason.
#Lions have re-signed OL Michael Niese pic.twitter.com/rvukvIRIqi
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 22, 2025
The 27-year-old offensive lineman appeared in all 17 games last season after being signed to a reserve/future deal in January 2024. Niese spent most of his time on special teams, playing 96 snaps compared to three snaps on offense.
Niese initially joined the Lions in August 2023, signing to their practice squad after being cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 53-man roster deadline. The Buccaneers signed Niese to a reserve/future contract at the end of the 2022 season after spending the season with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive lineman will compete against Kingsley Eguakun for the backup center job behind starter Frank Ragnow. Niese played well in the preseason last year, which is something the Lions can build off of heading into the 2025 campaign.
According to Pro Football Focus, Niese had a 61.7 pass blocking grade (53rd among 83 eligible centers) and a 66.1 run blocking grade (33rd). Also, the former Temple o-lineman didn’t allow a sack or was penalized in 89 offensive snaps.
This signing will likely fall under the radar heading into the NFL draft, but for the Lions, they’re continuing their trend of re-signing their players from last year’s squad.