By Moses Joshua 
Lions Begin Roster Moves with Key Defensive Re-Signing
The Detroit Lions wasted no time turning the page after their playoff loss, making their first move of the 2025 offseason by re-signing rookie safety Morice Norris. This signing marks the beginning of the Lions’ effort to regroup and build on a promising season that fell short of expectations in the postseason.
A Quick Start to the Offseason
Following a 45-31 defeat to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, the Lions are already preparing for 2025. As part of their roster-building efforts, the team signed 11 players to reserve/futures contracts on Monday, signaling a clear intent to solidify their depth. Alongside these moves, Detroit re-signed Norris, a promising young safety who showed flashes of potential in limited opportunities.
Norris, who joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL Draft, could not be signed to a reserve/futures deal due to his active roster status at the end of the season. Instead, the Lions moved quickly to secure the 24-year-old under the exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) designation, ensuring he remains a part of their plans moving forward.
A Promising Talent with Room to Grow
Norris’s 2024 journey was anything but conventional. After going undrafted out of Fresno State, the 5-foot-11 defensive back signed with the Lions and faced an uphill battle to make the roster. Despite being waived during training camp with an injury and later placed on injured reserve, Norris returned to the team through an injury settlement and rejoined the practice squad in late September.
By late December, Norris had earned his way onto the active roster. His most notable contribution came during the playoff loss to Washington, where he stepped in for the injured Ifeatu Melifonwu. In just 22 defensive snaps, Norris tallied three combined tackles and held his own in a challenging postseason environment.
Before the playoffs, Norris had primarily contributed on special teams in games against the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his versatility and work ethic.
Looking Ahead to 2025
For the Lions, re-signing Norris represents a commitment to developing homegrown talent. While he played limited snaps on defense this season, the rookie showed glimpses of potential that could make him a valuable depth option in the secondary.
Detroit’s focus on continuity and depth comes as the team looks to regroup after a bittersweet season. As the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Lions had high hopes for a deep playoff run, but they will now channel their disappointment into preparation for next year.
By securing Norris early, the Lions are signaling their intent to build a roster capable of maintaining their status as contenders. Whether Norris can elevate his game in 2025 remains to be seen, but his return to the team provides a solid foundation for Detroit’s defensive unit moving forward.