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As the trade deadline clock ticked down, the Detroit Lions made some sneaky, under-the-radar moves that raised a few eyebrows. With the offensive line taking more hits than expected, Detroit decided to act fast — just not in the blockbuster way many fans were hoping for.
A Quiet Addition with a Big Frame
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions are signing offensive lineman Jack Conley to the practice squad. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, don’t worry — Conley’s NFL story is just beginning.
The 6-foot-7, 325-pound giant joined the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. Before that, he was a three-year starter at Boston College — and, fun fact, a college teammate of injured Lions guard Christian Mahogany.
At Boston College, Conley showed his versatility, lining up at both tackle spots, sliding inside to left guard, and even taking snaps at tight end. The guy’s been everywhere. While he’s unlikely to see game action anytime soon, Detroit clearly values his flexibility and developmental upside.
During the preseason with New England, Conley logged 76 snaps at right tackle, allowing just one pressure on 28 pass-blocking plays — earning a solid 68.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. Not bad for a rookie fighting for a shot.
Two Players Out the Door
Not long after Conley’s signing made the rounds, the Lions dropped another update on social media — tight end Kenny Yeboah and offensive lineman Justin Herron were out.
Yeboah, signed back in March on a one-year deal, never saw the field this season. An undisclosed injury in training camp landed him on injured reserve, and now, the team has reached an injury settlement to part ways.
Herron’s story is similar. He joined Detroit in August, but like Yeboah, was placed on injured reserve just a week later. He didn’t play a single regular-season snap for the Lions, with his last game action coming in 2023 as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders.
A Depth Move or a Hidden Gem?
This move might not make headlines outside of Detroit, but for fans who’ve watched the offensive line slowly thin out due to injuries, it makes sense. Adding Conley gives the Lions a chance to develop fresh talent while keeping the roster flexible.
Conley may not be a household name, but every great offensive line starts with hidden gems like him — big, coachable, and waiting for their shot.
As the Lions fight to stay healthy and competitive deep into the season, this last-minute shuffle could prove smarter than it seems.