Detroit Brings Back Jalen Mills To Shore Up Struggling Secondary

We're not even done with Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season, and teams are already in need of help. The Detroit Lions are dealing with injuries across their defensive backfield...and its getting ugly on the field. The team is 1-1 on the season, but have given up 71 points in two games.

The defense is surrendering too many points on the scoreboard, and Detroit needs help to patch holes in their coverage schemes right away.

Jalen Mills Signs Back With Detroit

Former LSU All American Jalen Mills is signing with the Lions to address these injury problems. The defensive back returns to Detroit, where he played in three games last year.

Mill is being immediately added to the Lions' practice squad.

While Mills was in Detroit before, he didn't start a game, his only start in 2025 came with the Houston Texans, where he started 1 game, and played in four total. He was released by Houston prior to Detroit signing him.

Between the two teams, he had a very mild 2025 season. Mills totaled 10 tackles, and had just one pass deflection.

Previously, Mills was a major contributor in the NFL. He has started 92 games over his 10 year career, with his best seasons coming in Philadelphia and New England. In 2017 he had a career high 3 interceptions, and had a pair

Prior to his pro career, Mills built his football foundation as a defensive back for the LSU Tigers. He started all 13 games as a true freshman during the 2012 season. He would go on to spend his four years in Baton Rouge playing both cornerback and safety. He earned First Team All American honors as a Senior in 2015 before entering the NFL Draft.

Another LSU Tiger in Detroit

Mills joins a Detroit defense that already features another former LSU All American. Linebacker Devin White has been part of the Lions defensive unit this year. Both players will now attempt to stabilize a unit struggling to stop opponents...Detroit expects this roster move to pay dividends. The front office is relying on these veterans to lead the defense forward.