The Detroit Lions will be looking for all players on the roster to put their best foot forward in 2026 after missing the playoffs last season. That means they will play the best player at every position, and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez should be on high alert.
He's been in the Motor City for the last four years, serving as a rotational linebacker. While he's flashed, the results haven't been consistent. Last year, he missed the first 10 games while rehabbing from a torn ACL. Of course, he was coming off a major injury, but he had his fair share of troubles.
In seven games, he finished with 12 total tackles, logging an overall grade of 28.4, a run-defense grade of 57.3, and a coverage grade of 27.7, via Pro Football Focus. Despite that, Detroit brought him back on a one-year, $2.75 million deal. While he's back on a prove-it deal, if he doesn't put his best foot forward this offseason, rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder is waiting to take his job.
Jimmy Rolder Could Take Lions Job from Malcolm Rodriguez
Rodriguez's best year in the pros came as a rookie in 2022, finishing with 87 total tackles, eight TFLs, and two pass deflections. Since then, however, it has been an uphill climb, logging 76 total tackles, three TFLs, and one pass deflection over 34 games from 2023 to 2025.
That production is nowhere good enough, which is why the Lions drafted Rolder with the No. 118 pick in the fourth round. He was only a one-year starter for the Michigan Wolverines, but played well in that campaign. Over 12 games, he led the team in total tackles (73) with seven TFLs, two pass breakups, and one interception.
Rolder possesses sideline-to-sideline speed, aiding his ability to get downhill in a flash. He plays the game with an aggressive nature, and that's something that will stand out to head coach Dan Campbell. It's also worth mentioning that they didn't give Rodriguez a lengthy extension. Instead, they gave him a low-cost one-year deal that's basically a flier. If he doesn't come out during offseason workouts and puts his best foot forward, Rolder will be in the background, ready to roll.
There's certainly a learning curve going from college to the NFL, but Rolder came from a major program that should have him prepared to play. Minicamp, OTAs, and training camp will be interesting to watch. While Rodriguez will enter the summer as the starter, there's no guarantee that he will keep the job for the entire season with Rolder lurking.
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