Just when it looked like Detroit was done in free agency, Brad Holmes made another move. The Lions added Damone Clark—a high-upside linebacker with a unique comeback story and something to prove.
The Detroit Lions’ approach to free agency continues to emphasize depth, versatility and calculated upside rather than splashy headline moves.
After initially appearing finished with significant roster additions following the signings of cornerback Roger McCreary and tight end Tyler Conklin, Detroit has remained active. The Lions added edge defender DJ Wonnum and, more recently, linebacker Damone Clark, further reinforcing the defensive unit. Meanwhile, the team also saw safety and core special teams contributor Daniel Thomas depart in free agency, signing with the Cleveland Browns.
Clark arrives in Detroit after a winding start to his NFL career that has included both adversity and flashes of potential. A fifth-round pick (No. 176 overall) out of LSU in the 2022 NFL Draft, Clark entered the league with notable medical concerns. During the NFL Scouting Combine, doctors discovered a herniated disc that required spinal fusion surgery in March 2022.
The procedure significantly impacted his draft stock and delayed his debut, with many expecting Clark to miss his entire rookie season. Instead, he made a remarkably quick recovery and returned to action by Week 8 of the 2022 season with the Dallas Cowboys. Clark appeared in 10 games that year, starting five, and logged a 59% defensive snap share—an encouraging sign given the circumstances.
Clark took on a much larger role in 2023, starting all 17 games for Dallas. While his performance metrics were solid rather than spectacular, he proved to be a reliable presence. According to Pro Football Focus, Clark posted a 61.8 overall grade, including marks of 54.7 against the run, 55.8 as a pass rusher and a more impressive 69.1 in coverage. He finished the season with 74 total tackles, 32 defensive stops and eight quarterback pressures across 782 snaps.
Despite that full-season workload, Clark’s role diminished in 2024. He was eventually waived by Dallas midway through the season before being claimed by the Houston Texans. With Houston, Clark carved out a niche on special teams, appearing in six games. He played just 23 defensive snaps but contributed heavily on special teams with 131 snaps, earning a strong 78.7 grade from Pro Football Focus in that phase.
Over the course of his NFL career, Clark has appeared in 55 games with 26 starts, totaling 212 tackles and six tackles for loss. His athletic profile remains one of his most intriguing traits. Clark posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.87 out of 10.00 coming out of LSU, ranking 33rd out of more than 2,400 linebackers evaluated between 1987 and 2022. That level of athleticism continues to give him developmental upside, particularly in a defense that values speed and range at the second level.
There is also a level of familiarity between Clark and Detroit’s coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard previously spoke highly of Clark during the pre-draft process, noting their close relationship and mentorship connection dating back to their shared LSU ties. That familiarity could ease Clark’s transition and give him an early opportunity to compete for a role.
For the Lions, Clark projects primarily as a depth addition with special teams value, but he brings enough experience and athletic upside to push for defensive snaps. His ability to contribute in multiple phases will be key as Detroit continues to shape the back end of its roster heading into the draft.
While these moves may not generate national headlines, they reflect general manager Brad Holmes’ consistent roster-building philosophy: prioritize depth, trust development and create competition across the board. Clark fits that mold—a low-risk signing with the potential to provide meaningful contributions if he can stay healthy and capitalize on his opportunities.
As free agency progresses, Detroit’s roster is gradually taking shape. And while the biggest additions may still come via the draft, moves like this could quietly play an important role in the team’s overall success in 2026.