By Moses Joshua 
Jacob Saylors joins Lions’ backfield as roster shuffle intensifies ahead of Hall of Fame Game
A New Face in the Backfield
With the NFL preseason just days away, the Detroit Lions continue fine-tuning their roster, this time by dipping into the United Football League talent pool. On Tuesday, the team announced the signing of dynamic running back Jacob Saylors, fresh off an impressive run with the St. Louis Battlehawks. In a corresponding move, the Lions waived tight end Luke Deal with an injury designation.
Saylors, a two-time All-UFL selection, becomes the second player from the Battlehawks to join the Lions this week, following cornerback Nick Whiteside, who was signed after Detroit released Stantley Thomas-Oliver III due to injury.
From Small School Star to Spring League Standout
Saylors’ journey has been anything but conventional. After a productive five-year college career at East Tennessee State, where he tallied over 3,800 rushing yards and 33 total touchdowns, Saylors found his way into professional football through grit and patience. His standout collegiate season came in 2022, when he rushed for 1,317 yards and 15 touchdowns—earning attention from NFL scouts.
Despite brief stints with the Falcons, Giants, and Browns, Saylors never saw regular-season action. But his time in the UFL proved he belongs on a bigger stage. Over two seasons with St. Louis, he amassed 960 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, including 499 yards and five scores this past spring. He also added a touchdown in the XFL Conference Championship Game, proving his ability to deliver under pressure.
A Crowded but Competitive RB Room
Detroit’s running back group is among the deepest in the league, with Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Craig Reynolds leading the charge. With Sione Vaki and Kye Robichaux both nursing injuries and Anthony Tyus recently waived, Saylors steps into a timely opportunity.
Though his path to the 53-man roster remains uncertain, Saylors is expected to get preseason reps, including Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Canton, Ohio.
His versatility as both a runner and receiver, along with his recent UFL success, makes him a compelling candidate to either crack the depth chart or earn a spot on Detroit’s practice squad.
A Calculated Move with Upside
While preseason games often serve as auditions for fringe players, Saylors may have more momentum than most. If his past production is any indication, the Lions may have landed a low-risk, high-reward playmaker just in time to test him under live NFL conditions.
As Detroit eyes a return to playoff contention in 2025, every roster spot counts—and Jacob Saylors might be more than just a camp body.