There’s a lot of buzz in Detroit as the Lions get ready to welcome their newest rookie class. After a strong NFL Draft and some promising undrafted free agent signings, fans are eager to see the future of the team when rookie minicamp kicks off this Friday, May 2. But while all eyes are on the new faces, one Lions veteran might soon be packing his bags.
Defensive tackle Brodric Martin, a 2023 third-round pick out of Western Kentucky, is suddenly on shaky ground. When Martin was drafted, fans were excited about his massive 6-foot-5, 330-pound frame and his reputation as a run-stopper. But from the start, Martin was seen as a long-term project—not an instant impact player.
So far, the results haven’t been pretty. Martin barely saw the field as a rookie, dressing for just three games. Injuries then wrecked his 2024 season, limiting him to a mere 25 defensive snaps and one assisted tackle. To make matters worse, his performance metrics were ugly: a 42.5 run-stop grade and a 37.9 overall defensive grade, per Pro Football Focus.
The Lions’ patience seems to be running thin. GM Brad Holmes publicly challenged Martin in March, saying, “We need to see more consistency.” With top draft picks like Tyleik Williams and rookie Ahmed Hassanein now in the mix, Martin’s window to impress may be closing fast.
If Martin fails to show growth during rookie minicamp, the Lions could cut him loose as early as the end of May—freeing up over $1 million in cap space. One way or another, Martin’s fate should be clear by next week.
Lions DT Brodric Martin on the Roster Bubble Ahead of Rookie Minicamp
