Lions Add Super Bowl–Winning Safety After Brian Branch’s Season-Ending Injury
The Detroit Lions’ secondary has been the most troublesome part of an already inconsistent defense, something reflected in the team’s recent push to bring in more defensive backs.
In the 72 hours following Brian Branch’s season-ending Achilles injury — suffered during the December 4 “Thursday Night Football” win over the Dallas Cowboys — Detroit has added two safeties to help stabilize the group.
On Wednesday, December 10, the Lions made their latest move.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on X that “the Lions claimed veteran safety Jalen Mills off waivers from Houston.”
Mills, who spent most of his professional career at cornerback, switched to safety two years ago after joining the New York Jets. He played one season there before moving to the Texans in 2025, appearing in four games (one start) for Houston this year.
The 31-year-old began his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played five seasons as a starting cornerback and was part of the team that captured the Super Bowl during the 2017-18 season. Mills later spent three years with the New England Patriots, starting regularly until 2023, and then started eight of nine games with the Jets last season.
Across his 10-year career (119 games, 92 starts), Mills has compiled 454 tackles, 59 passes defensed, 10 tackles for loss, eight interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Detroit Also Added Veteran Damontae Kazee Earlier in the Week
On Tuesday, the Lions announced via X that they had signed safety Damontae Kazee to the practice squad.
Kazee, who is a year older than Mills but has played one fewer season, has started most of the games in which he has appeared. He has taken the field in 111 contests with 63 starts, including four games with the Cleveland Browns in 2025, primarily on special teams.
His career also includes time with the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. Kazee has registered 363 tackles, 24 passes defensed, 17 interceptions and seven forced fumbles.
Lions Prepare for Road Matchup Against NFC-Leading Rams in Week 15
Detroit sustained a wave of injuries in 2024, and this season has followed a similar pattern. Even so, the Lions remain firmly in the NFC playoff race.
With an 8-5 record, Detroit sits third in the NFC North and currently holds the No. 8 seed in the conference. Seven NFC teams will qualify for the postseason, which begins in mid-January.
The Lions’ toughest remaining challenge comes this Sunday when they travel to face the Los Angeles Rams (10-3), the NFC’s top seed. After that, Detroit hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers before ending the year with road games against the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears.
Per NFL.com, the Lions have a 52% chance of reaching the playoffs — odds that would rise to 72% with a win in Los Angeles.
No Comment! Be the first one.