The Detroit Lions have officially locked in their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 season, and the final piece is safety Thomas Harper, who was claimed off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Who is Thomas Harper?
Harper’s journey to Detroit has been anything but straightforward. He spent four seasons at Oklahoma State, where he built a reputation as a hard-hitting, versatile defensive back, before transferring to Notre Dame in 2023 for his graduate year.
Despite his steady college career, Harper went undrafted in 2024, eventually signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. After being released during roster cuts, the Raiders scooped him up off waivers, and that’s where he made his mark as a rookie.
His Rookie Year With the Raiders
In 2024, Harper suited up for 15 games, making five starts. His stats in those games are as follows:
26 tackles
Two pass breakups
One interception
0.5 sacks
Not bad for a player who wasn’t even supposed to be on an NFL roster this time last year.
Why the Lions Made the Move
The Lions’ secondary already features standout playmakers like Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, but depth was still a question after final roster cuts. By adding Harper, Detroit not only fills out its roster but also gains a young safety who has proven he can contribute on defense and special teams.
At 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds, Harper isn’t the biggest defensive back, but his physical style of play and nose for the ball fit well with Dan Campbell’s gritty culture in Detroit.
The Bottom Line
The Lions entered the week with a few roster questions, but with Harper’s addition, the 53-man roster is officially set. While he may begin the season in a rotational or special teams role, Harper’s rookie year with the Raiders shows he’s more than capable of stepping up if called upon.
For Detroit, it’s another smart, low-risk move to shore up depth ahead of what could be another big year in the NFC North.