Daniel Thomas
Getty
The Lions have lost special teams ace Daniel Thomas to the Browns in free agency
The Detroit Lions have had an active start to the offseason, as they have seen several new faces arrive in town, while a handful of contributors from their 2025 team have headed elsewhere. The goal, of course, is to build the best possible team so that, when the Lions return to action in 2026, they won’t miss the playoffs like they did just last season.
In order to bring new players to town, sometimes you have to move on from guys who no longer fit your long-term plans. We have already seen Detroit do that several times this offseason, but it looks like the team has lost another one of its players from last year’s squad, as reports indicate that special teams ace Daniel Thomas is headed to the Cleveland Browns.
Browns Sign Daniel Thomas to 1-Year Contract
Ian Rapoport
Former #Lions and #Jaguars safety and special teamer Daniel Thomas is signing with the #Browns, source says.
Thomas was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and while he only started four games during his five years with the team as a safety on defense, he consistently found a way to stick around with the team, thanks in large part to his contributions on special teams.
In 2025, Thomas spent the year with the Lions, appearing in 12 games, two of which saw him start at safety (thanks in large part to a rash of injuries the team was dealing with). Thomas held his own, as he finished the year with 23 tackles and one pass breakup. However, he was allowed by the front office to hit the open market, indicating that the team was OK with letting him leave.
While Thomas had a decent year with Detroit, it doesn’t appear as if there will be a second act. That’s because Thomas has found a new home in the NFL, as reports have emerged indicating that he is signing a one-year contract with the Browns, where he will look to continue to work as a special teams stud, while also aiming to earn more snaps at his native safety position.
“Former Lions and Jaguars safety and special teamer Daniel Thomas is signing with the Browns, source says,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported in a post on X.
Lions Have Another Player That Must Be Replaced
Daniel Thomas
GettyThe Lions have lost special teams ace Daniel Thomas to the Browns in free agency
Losing Thomas isn’t exactly the end of the world for the Lions, but special teams have become increasingly more important in the modern NFL. Having players dedicated to making an impact in this overlooked facet of the game is crucial, and for one year, that was what Thomas was able to do for Detroit. Now, he will join a rebuilding Cleveland squad that could have an opportunity for him on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Chances are, the Lions won’t look in free agency for Thomas’ replacement, but will instead see if a young player stars during training camp so that they can help the team immediately, while also continuing to develop at their primary position. On paper, this is another loss for Detroit, but it’s one that the team should be able to overcome with relative ease.