By Blessing 
ALLEN PARK — While introductory press conferences stole the spotlight at Lions headquarters, the team quietly made key moves to strengthen their special teams unit, re-signing linebackers Trevor Nowaske and Anthony Pittman.
The terms of their contracts were not made public, but the signings add important depth and familiarity to a unit that thrives on consistency under special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.
Nowaske and Pittman will now compete for roles alongside Ezekiel Turner, who re-signed earlier in the week, and newly added Grant Stuard, a former standout with the Indianapolis Colts who inked a one-year deal with Detroit. Together, the group brings a blend of experience, grit, and versatility that could prove vital this season.
Nowaske continues to carve out a role in Detroit, where he’s become a dependable figure on special teams. He also stepped up defensively last season, starting two games at linebacker when injuries hit the roster. In 14 appearances, he notched 24 tackles—including two for loss—along with four quarterback hits, two sacks, and an interception. He also played 260 snaps on special teams, showcasing his versatility and value.
Pittman, a familiar face in Detroit, rejoined the Lions last season after a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Detroit native logged 72 defensive snaps between the two teams—56 of those with the Lions—and has been a mainstay on special teams throughout his time with the franchise. He’s played over 1,100 special teams snaps for the Lions, surpassing 350 in each of the past three seasons.
A product of Birmingham Groves High School and Wayne State University, Pittman originally signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019. His return last season felt like coming home.
“I was super excited, just ready to get back to work. I know how we operate here,” Pittman said back in December. “I know it’s a gritty group, and we go hard, so I’m ready.”
“My family was super happy. My fiancée was so happy. Family’s important, and just being able to be closer to them, seeing them, and having their support on game days — it really means a lot to me. They’re happy that I’m going to be around more as well.”