The Detroit Lions have been forced to work through several injuries on the defensive side of the ball to this point in training camp.
While that is frustrating for the coaching staff, it has opened up opportunities for players who may not have received as much consideration for the final 53-man roster to show their worth. One veteran, in particular, has been doing just that since arriving in the Motor City this offseason and joining the Lions defense.
With Malcolm Rodriguez on the PUP list, a spot is open in the linebacker room, and one former second-round pick by the Houston Texans is making it so that Dan Campbell and the coaching staff cannot afford to cut him.
In Saturday's game against the Miami Dolphins, veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham continued his impressive run through the preseason and, at least in the eyes of Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, may now be a lock for the final 53-man roster.
Zach Cunninham flew into he backfield and hit Wilson. That could have been a sack. Cunningham is definitely making this roster.
— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) August 16, 2025
Zach Cunningham Takes Big Step Toward Making Lions in 3rd Preseason Game
Despite being on the wrong side of the age of 30, Cunningham has been known for his production at the linebacker position going back to his college days at Vanderbilt University. He has a nose for the football and loves contact. This is one of the reasons he has racked up 709 career tackles over 102 games played.
Cunningham agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with Detroit this past offseason. With no guaranteed money included in the deal, the eight-year veteran had to make this final roster to see any of that contract hit his bank account. There is still work left to be done before Cunningham can feel safe, but he appears to be well on his way to landing a spot in the linebacker room for the 2025 campaign.
If Cunningham continues to perform at this level, he could wind up being much more than just a depth piece on the 53-man roster. He will have one more week to show his worth in the preseason before final cuts are made, so there is no room for Cunningham to take his foot off the gas now that he's enjoyed some success.