On Thursday evening, the Detroit Lions announced the signing of safety Erick Hallett to their practice squad. This move fills the 16th and final spot on Detroit’s practice squad, although the team still has an open spot on their 53-man roster, leaving room for additional roster adjustments as the season progresses.
Erick Hallett, who was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this week, was originally selected by the Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite his draft selection, Hallett spent the entirety of his rookie season on Jacksonville’s practice squad, where he continued to develop his skills and adapt to the professional level of play.
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Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 190 pounds, Hallett brings versatility to the Lions’ defensive unit. He has experience playing both as a safety and a nickel corner, a flexibility that could prove valuable to Detroit Lions secondary. During his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), Hallett was a two-year starter and also contributed significantly on special teams during the earlier years of his college tenure. His durability and consistency were evident, as he started 31 consecutive games for the Panthers. Over his final two seasons, he recorded 12 pass breakups, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays in the secondary
While with the Jaguars, Hallett primarily practiced as a safety. His time in Jacksonville’s training camp provided glimpses of his potential, particularly during joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In those sessions, Hallett delivered standout performances, including a day where he notched two interceptions. One of these came from tight coverage on Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans, while the other was a heads-up play where Hallett intercepted a poorly thrown pass by backup quarterback Kyle Trask. Hallett further showcased his playmaking ability by returning one of these interceptions for a touchdown, capitalizing on a deflection by linebacker Devin Lloyd.
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As of now, Hallett is the only defensive back on the Lions’ practice squad, highlighting his unique position within the team’s depth chart. However, the Detroit Lions currently have a robust group of 11 defensive backs on their 53-man roster, which could influence how and when Hallett is called up to the active roster.
The addition of Hallett to the Detroit Lions practice squad underscores the team’s ongoing efforts to bolster their depth in the secondary. With his demonstrated versatility, strong training camp performances, and college track record, Hallett could become a valuable asset for the Lions as the season unfolds. His ability to play multiple roles in the secondary, combined with his potential for special teams contributions, makes him a player to watch as Detroit navigates the challenges of the upcoming season.
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