Dan Campbell Isaiahh Loudermilk
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Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions hosted defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk for a free agency visit on Tuesday.
The Detroit Lions will begin adding its 2026 rookie class during the first round in three weeks. But the team is still searching for upgrades in NFL free agency.
With that in mind, the Lions hosted veteran defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk for a free agency visit Tuesday, according to the NFL’s official transaction wire.
Loudermilk appeared in two games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Over five years, he played in 60 contests, starting seven of them.
During his 2021 NFL Draft process, the defensive lineman received praise for his tenacity, energy and willingness to be a grunt.
“A three-star recruit, he committed to Wisconsin over Kansas State and Oregon. Loudermilk battled multiple knee injuries over his career, but was a key cog at defensive end in the Badgers’ 3-4 base scheme,” wrote The Athletic’s Dan Brugler. “He is quick off the snap to knife through gaps, using his hands to pry open the shoulder of blockers, but his counter measures are often ineffective if he doesn’t win at the snap.
“While active and strong-willed, he struggles to stay square against the run, lacking the leverage or lower-body mass to anchor, especially versus double teams.
“Overall, Loudermilk doesn’t play with burst or power to be a consistent disruptor, but he is a worker bee who brings energy and toughness.”
The Steelers drafted Loudermilk in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In five seasons, he posted 63 combined tackles, including one tackle for loss.
Loudermilk also had six pass defenses, one quarterback hit and one sack.
Lions Host Isaiahh Loudermilk for Free Agency Visit
Loudermilk has the versatility to play defensive tackle or defensive end. Most of his experience, though, has come at defensive tackle.
That remains an underrated need on the Detroit roster. The Lions lost veterans D.J. Reader and Roy Lopez to NFL free agency and didn’t replace them.
Reader is still available, so the Lions could theoretically bring him back. Lopez, though, signed a 2-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
Reader lined up for 583 defensive snaps while L0pez played 425 snaps for the Lions defense in 2025. Lopez elected to return to Arizona, where he started 16 games during 2024.
According to the Pro Football Focus player grades, Loudermilk didn’t perform well in a limited sample during 2025. Based on the PFF grades, he played better (although still below average) in 2023 and 2024.
His best statistical season was his rookie campaign when Loudermilk posted 23 combined tackles, three pass defenses and a sack.
Lions Interior Defensive Line Depth in 2026
In 2026 NFL Free agency, the Lions signed D.J. Wonnum at defensive end. But along the defensive line’s interior, the team appears set to start Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams.
A healthy McNeill could replace Reader. Williams could also play more after lining up for 446 snaps in 2025.
But the Lions should address the depth of the position. A low-risk move for Loudermilk makes sense.
The veteran could be another body for depth in case of injury. Loudermilk may also be a candidate to earn a spot in the team’s defensive line rotation.
The Lions also have Levi Onwuzurike, Chris Smith, Mekhi Wingo and Myles Adams on their roster as interior defensive linemen.