Per sources, the Detroit Lions are bringing back both wide receiver Tom Kennedy and linebacker Trevor Nowaske.
Both players were restricted free agents, but the Lions opted not to give them a tender, which would’ve cost the team $3.647 million each. While new contract terms are not immediately available, there’s a good chance each players’ cap hit will come in under that figure.
Kennedy had a bit of a breakout year last season, his seventh season with the team. While he only played in six games in 2025—spending most of the season on the practice squad—he did find a role late as one of the team’s kick returners. In total, he took 16 kickoff returns for 447 yards—a strong 27.9 kick return average. He also fielded three punts for 50 yards, which could be a need for the Lions now that starting punt returner Kalif Raymond signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears this offseason.
Nowaske, 27, returns to the Lions for his fourth NFL season. Last year, he played in 15 games, and while he only logged 74 defensive snaps, he showed some promise in Detroit’s SAM linebacker role. Additionally, he logged 330 special teams snaps for the team.
Detroit still has some work to do at the linebacker room. Alex Anzalone has left for free agency, and Detroit only has Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Nowaske under contract. Meanwhile, Grant Stuard, Zach Cunningham, and Ezekiel Turner are still free agents.
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