The Detroit Lions kick off their rookie minicamp on Friday, as the team will get a chance to take a look at their rookies for the first time. In addition to the seven rookies they selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions will also have ten undrafted free agent rookies at the minicamp. While these UDFAs will hope to impress the coaching staff and earn a spot on the training camp roster, Detroit also has players who will be trying out over the weekend.
Among those players, there is a surprise veteran defender. Per Lions insider Colton Pouncy, former Michigan State defensive tackle Raequan Williams will be suiting up for the Lions during the minicamp.
Former Spartans Defender Gets Another NFL Chance With the Lions
Williams spent four seasons at Michigan State before entering the 2020 NFL Draft. During his senior season there, he registered 48 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks in 13 games, earning second-team All-Big Ten Honors and participating in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Despite his productive collegiate career, Williams went undrafted before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played seven games in Philadelphia in his first two seasons in the NFL.
Since the end of the 2021 season, Williams bounced around the league, spending time with the Jaguars and the Panthers, but didn't get a chance to suit up in a game with either team. Most recently, he was on the Panthers' practice squad but was waived as part of the offseason roster cuts in May 2024.
The 28-year-old defender has been out of the league since then. This tryout with the Lions will serve as an opportunity for the former Spartan to get one last contract in the NFL. It would obviously be an excellent story if he gets that in the state of Michigan.