The Detroit Lions’ brass isn’t willing to give up on Sione Vaki just yet, much to the dismay of the fanbase. Vaki, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, has yet to make an impact in his first two years in the league.
When he was drafted a couple of years ago, there was some intrigue surrounding Vaki, who played safety and running back in college. The Lions drafted him with the idea of being an RB, with the hopes of him being a versatile weapon on offense and special teams.
Fast forward to 2026, and that has not come to fruition for Vaki. And now he’s in a running back room that added a new face in Isiah Pacheco, who has a lot to prove on a cheap one-year deal. Jahmyr Gibbs and Pacheco will get the bulk of the work, leaving Vaki to fight for scraps, but GM Brad Holmes still believes in him.
"We've still got Vaki, man. We wanted to get Vaki a little bit more heading into camp last year, but he missed some time, kind of set him back a little bit, but the book's not closed on him as a runner either, so we're excited about the room in general."Brad Holmes, Lions GM
Lions Not Ready to Give Up on Sione Vaki Despite Quiet First Two Years
Holmes is right in that the Lions were hoping Vaki would take that next step this past season, but he couldn’t get past the injury bug. In training camp, he was sidelined by a leg injury, and then it was a hamstring and groin injury to start the regular season.
The former Utah Ute standout ultimately appeared in 11 games in 2025, but spent most of his time on special teams coverage (60% of snaps), and not actual kick returns, as he had two return chances, averaging 19.5 yards per return.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, there could be room for Vaki to be a bigger factor on special teams with Kalif Raymond leaving and signing with the Bears to start free agency. However, he’ll have to compete with Greg Dortch, whom the Lions just signed to a one-year deal.
One could make the case that Dortch is Detroit’s best punt return option, as he averaged 11.6 yards per return. He can also be utilized on kick returns with Jacob Saylors. The veteran wide receiver averaged 26.2 yards per kick return on 31 attempts.
Meanwhile, in his first season with the Lions, Saylors, who also plays running back, averaged 27.2 yards per kick return on 33 attempts. He was also ranked ninth in the league in kick return yards with 897, which isn’t too shabby for someone who played spring football.
No Room for Excuses
At this rate, Vaki’s best ability has to be availability. He cannot have a bigger role on offense or special teams until he stays healthy. It’s tough to say this after he’s only appeared in 25 games in two years, but Vaki might’ve maxed out who he is as a player.
Vakin becoming an RB3 in Detroit or anywhere in the NFL might not be in the cards for him. In fact, Dane Brugler of The Athletic said before the draft that his potential in the NFL is “a core special teamer.”
"Vaki plays with the physicality and downhill speed NFL coaches desire at safety, but his fluidity and instincts in coverage don't match up and will hinder his chances of earning steady defensive snaps at the next level. His potential as a core special teamer could be his ticket to an NFL roster spot."Dane Brugler, The Athletic
If that ultimately becomes the case, then this draft pick looks bad, and maybe that’s why Holmes does not want to give up on him. The Lions would rather exhaust all avenues with the former fourth-round pick before admitting this selection was a bust.