Detroit Lions sign two potential SAM linebackers to practice squad

According to Fox Sports reporter Greg Auman, the Detroit Lions are signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge defender/outside linebacker Cam Gill to their practice squad.

Gill went undrafted in 2020, but stuck with the Buccaneers for four seasons. Over the course of that time, he played in 40 games. He was primarily a special teamer with Tampa, playing a total of 768 special teams snaps, while just 184 on defense. His entire 2022 season was lost after suffering a Lisfranc injury in the preseason. That said, despite his low usage rate on defense, Gill has produced a total of 13 pressures and 2.5 sacks.

In 2024, Gill joined the Carolina Panthers . He suffered an ankle injury in the final preseason game—where he produced two tackles and a sack—and was eventually released with an injury settlement.

Listed at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Gill compares somewhat favorably to Derrick Barnes (6-foot, 240 pounds). With Barnes on injured reserve, Gill could possibly fit in Detroit's SAM linebacker role. Though most of his football career playing time has been on the defensive line at the EDGE position, his size and strong athletic traits could translate to a more varied role.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves on the former Buc, Gill will likely first have to make his impact on special teams if he hopes to get a call-up to the game day roster. There, he has a ton of experience, and he could possibly find himself in an early contributor.

The Lions have not made this signing official, as they already have the maximum 16 players on their practice squad. That said, they had an open spot on the 53-man roster, so it seems likely someone currently on the practice squad will be signed to the main roster shortly.

UPDATE: The Lions made the Gill signing official, while also announcing the signing of edge defenders Al-Quadin Muhammad to the practice squad. To make room for both signings, Detroit released safety Erick Hallett and kicker Matthew McCrane from the practice squad.

Muhammad was a sixth-round pick for the New Orleans Saints back in 2017. That one season overlapped with both coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Since then, he's had stops with the Colts (2018-21), Bears (2022), Colts (2023), and Cowboys (2024). In his entire six-year NFL career, he's made 84 game appearances and 34 starts, while tallying 12.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 157 tackles.

Like Gill, Muhammad is officially listed by the Lions as a linebacker, but he is more of an edge defender. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, he's a little bigger than Gill and he brings a lot more experience on defense. That said, Gill has much more experience (786 snaps) on special teams than Muhammad (323).

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Lions signed to practice squad:

EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad EDGE Cam GillLions released from practice squad