Detroit Lions sign three more players to futures deals

The Detroit Lions announced they have signed three more players to futures deals: defensive back Godwin Igwebuike, tight end Hunter Thedford, and defensive end Robert McCray.

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The Detroit Lions announced they have signed three more players to futures deals: defensive back Godwin Igwebuike, tight end Hunter Thedford, and defensive end Robert McCray.

No, these moves weren’t made by newly signed general manager Brad Holmes, but more than likely the Lions interim management team that has been making decisions since Bob Quinn was fired.

With all three will signing a futures deal, the Lions get to put them on their 90-man roster, but they won’t count against the team cap until the new year begins at the beginning of 2021 free agency — typically in early March.

Igwebuike (5-11, 213) is the most intriguing of the bunch. A strong safety who likes to hit, he can push to linebacker in sub-packages and contribute on special teams — think Miles Killebrew light.

There was a lot of hype around him during the 2018 draft, but NFL teams all passed him by and he went undrafted. He initially signed with the Buccaneers, then the 49ers, Eagles, and Jets, before joining the XFL Seattle Dragons. He was not in the league last year.

Thedford (6-6, 260) played tight end at SMU before transferring to Utah for his final season of eligibility. He tried out for the Lions last August but didn’t catch on at that time.

McCray (6-1, 266) played his collegiate ball at Indiana but went undrafted in 2018. He initially signed with the Chiefs, landing on their practice squad, but in 2019 he joined the Browns and played in one game, registering one tackle.