![Jacksonville Jaguars safety Daniel Thomas (20) takes his helmet off after warmups during an NFL training camp fifth session at the Miller Electric Center, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_91,w_2925,h_1645/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/196/01k3p1jhh56w7ccx3n9b.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars safety Daniel Thomas (20) takes his helmet off after warmups during an NFL training camp fifth session at the Miller Electric Center, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
The Detroit Lions have stayed busy since trimming their roster down to 53 players ahead of Tuesday afternoon's league-wide deadline.
First, the franchise traded veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for future draft capital. Later on Wednesday, Detroit poached another player out of North Florida as a free agent safety who spent his first five seasons as a pro suiting up for the Jaguars.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, the Lions have come to an agreement on a contract with veteran free agent safety Daniel Thomas that will bring the former Auburn Tigers standout to the Motor City.
Free agent safety Daniel Thomas is signing with the #Lions today, per source. Former Jacksonville special teams ace was released by Jaguars this week.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 27, 2025
Lions Strike 1st with Notable FA Signing of Specialist Daniel Thomas
While Thomas does have four starts to his name as a member of Jacksonville's defense, he truly made his mark with the Jaguars with his play as part of the special teams unit. This past season alone, 73% of the snaps he was on the field for came during either a special teams return or coverage.
In a perfect world, Jacksonville likely would have never given up on Thomas. However, you can only keep so many players at a single decision, so tough calls, like the one to release Thomas, are byproducts of the job.
With Eric Murray, Caleb Ransaw, and Rayuan Lane all being added to the Dolphins' roster, there just wasn't as strong a need for a do-it-all safety on the team. Their trash could turn out to be The Lions' treasure, though, knowing how Dan Cempbell operates.
Thomas will absolutely receive an opportunity to make a home for himself in Detroit on the special teams unit. That likely won't be the only place he shows off his skils, though. Given the injuries to players currently in the secondary, there could even be a spot for Jones on the team's two-deep roster.