By Sunday 
With veterans set to report to Allen Park this weekend, the Detroit Lions have put the finishing touches on their 91-man training camp roster—and they’re not just plugging holes, they’re adding some intriguing depth.
A Final Shuffle Before the Whistle
Friday afternoon brought official confirmation from the team that rookie offensive lineman Tate Ratledge had finally signed his rookie deal. The Georgia product is expected to play a key role this season, especially with the departure of longtime center Frank Ragnow. The team has high hopes for Ratledge, who brings SEC toughness and raw power to an already well-coached offensive line.
But the front office didn’t stop there.
Detroit also brought in three new faces—a calculated mix of youth and experience—to inject more competition across key spots:
- RB Jabari Small (ex-Tennessee Volunteers, recently with the Titans)
- CB Tyson Russell (rookie, recently tried out)
- CB DiCaprio Bootle (27, veteran DB with Chiefs, Panthers, and Chargers experience)
Bootle’s Return to Relevance
Perhaps the most eye-catching name among the trio is DiCaprio Bootle, a veteran defensive back who’s been floating around the league since going undrafted out of Nebraska in 2021. While his stints with the Chiefs (including a Super Bowl ring), Panthers, and Chargers haven’t yielded a permanent home, Bootle brings solid speed, strong instincts, and the kind of press coverage aggression that fits Aaron Glenn’s style.
He may not be the tallest (5’10”), but what Bootle lacks in size, he makes up for in tenacity and footwork. The Lions’ cornerback room just got deeper—and maybe even a little more dangerous.
Why These Signings Matter
Let’s be honest—none of these guys are guaranteed roster locks. But training camp is all about reps, rhythm, and surprises. Injuries happen. Depth is tested. And players who enter as long shots can become preseason darlings (just ask Malcolm Rodriguez in 2022).
These moves don’t just fill holes; they raise the floor of camp competition.
- Jabari Small reunites with Hendon Hooker from their days at Tennessee.
- Tyson Russell gets a shot to prove his post-tryout hype is legit.
- Bootle may just have enough juice left in the tank to earn that coveted final CB spot.
One Extra Spot, One Big Opportunity
It’s worth noting that Detroit enters camp with 91 players, one more than usual. That’s thanks to Ahmed Hassanein, who qualifies under the NFL’s International Player Pathway program—a nod to how this league continues to globalize.
That extra body means the Lions can afford to take more chances during camp, which is good news for players like Bootle, Small, and Russell.
As the pads come on and position battles heat up, don’t be surprised if one of these late additions carves out a spot on the final 53. It wouldn’t be the first time a summer signing turned into a fall contributor.