By Sunday 
It’s never too early to think ahead in the NFL—especially when last season nearly broke your linebacker room. That’s likely the mindset in Detroit this week as the Lions brought in veteran linebacker Kyzir White for a visit. While nothing has been signed (yet), the meeting alone is telling: the Lions are keeping their options open.
Last Year Was a Minefield
To call Detroit’s 2024 linebacker situation “rough” would be polite. Alex Anzalone missed nearly half the season with a broken arm, Derrick Barnes was knocked out in Week 3, and Malcolm Rodriguez? He tore his ACL late in the year and still isn’t back.
It’s no wonder the Lions are kicking the tires on available help. Even with Anzalone and Barnes back in action, Rodriguez remains sidelined and Detroit doesn’t want to gamble with its depth again.
So, Why Kyzir White?
White isn’t just some camp body. The 29-year-old has 73 career starts, two straight seasons with 9 tackles for loss, and just finished a 137-tackle campaign with the Cardinals. Sure, Pro Football Focus didn’t throw him a party—he ranked near the bottom of the pack—but the raw production is there.
He’s also familiar with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who coached him in Philadelphia and Arizona. So, if the Lions do decide to pull the trigger, the learning curve wouldn’t be as steep as bringing in someone brand new to their system.
The Lions’ LB Room Isn’t Empty
It’s important to note: Detroit isn’t desperate. Jack Campbell, their 2023 first-rounder, played all 17 games last season and has looked every bit the future centerpiece. With Anzalone and Barnes healthy, they’ve got a solid trio… on paper.
But as we saw last year, “on paper” can disappear real fast in this league. A guy like White could step in early, learn the scheme, and be ready in case lightning strikes twice.
White’s Angle: Timing is Everything
From White’s perspective, this visit might be a test balloon. He could be gauging interest now, or waiting to see if another camp injury opens a clearer path to a starting role elsewhere. But if Detroit puts a decent offer on the table, it could make sense to jump in early and embed himself before Week 1.
Bottom line: This isn’t a blockbuster move (yet), but it’s a smart one. Whether Kyzir White becomes a key rotational piece or just injury insurance, the Lions are doing what good teams do—planning ahead.