By Sunday 
As the NFL preseason inches closer, the Detroit Lions aren’t just gearing up — they’re loading up.
On Tuesday, the Lions announced they’ve signed Jacob Saylors, a standout running back from the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks, just days before their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game. To make room for Saylors, the team waived tight end Luke Deal with an injury designation.
Battlehawk Turned Lion
If you’re getting a sense of déjà vu, you’re not wrong. Saylors is actually the second Battlehawk to join the Lions this week. Just a few days ago, cornerback Nick Whiteside also made the jump from St. Louis to Detroit, proving that the Lions might be quietly raiding the UFL for hidden gems.
Saylors, who bounced around a few NFL teams (Falcons, Giants, and Browns), never quite got his regular-season moment in the league. But with a stellar college résumé — including two 1,000+ yard seasons at East Tennessee State — and two productive seasons in the UFL, he’s clearly earned another shot.
This past spring, Saylors ranked second in the UFL in rushing, racking up 499 yards and five touchdowns in just 10 games. He also had a solid postseason showing, running for 45 yards and a touchdown in the XFL Conference Championship.
Where Does Saylors Fit In?
That’s the million-dollar question.
The Lions’ running back room is already stacked. You’ve got Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery leading the charge, with Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki, Jabari Small, and Kye Robichaux all in the mix. But with the preseason around the corner, Saylors could get real reps — and if he makes an impression, well, you never know.
Let’s not forget: preseason isn’t just warmup football. For fringe guys like Saylors, it’s a golden opportunity to prove they belong.
Next Stop: Canton
All eyes are on Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. It’s the first real taste of NFL action for fans this season, and for players like Saylors, it’s a stage with stakes.
Whether he cracks the final roster or not, Saylors’ arrival adds intrigue to an already exciting Lions camp. Detroit is clearly keeping its options open, and Saylors might just be the surprise story fans didn’t see coming.