Lions Sign 10 Players To Futures Deals

The Detroit Lions announced Monday that they’ve officially signed 10 players to future/reserve contracts.

Futures deals are essentially camp invites that will give players the opportunity to compete for roster spots during offseason workouts and training camp.

1. CB Adairius Barnes
2. TE Brandon Barnes
3. DE Alex Barrett
4. WR Dontez Ford
5. DT Toby Johnson
6. C Leo Koloamatangi
7. S Rolan Milligan
8. T Dan Skipper
9. QB Alek Torgersen
10. DE Jeremiah Valoaga

Johnson, 26, originally signed on with the Titans as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia back in May of 2015. He was waived coming out of the preseason and had brief stints with the Jaguars and Bears before joining the Vikings towards the end of the season.

Minnesota elected to bring Johnson back on a futures deal in 2016 and he was on and off of their practice squad during the season. The Vikings cut him loose back in May and he was later claimed off of waivers by the Panthers.

Unfortunately, Carolina waived Johnson coming out of the preseason.

In 2016, Johnson appeared in two games for the Vikings and recorded two tackles.

Barnes, 23, signed on with the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Tech back in May of last year. He was waived back in December and signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

He was eventually promoted to the active roster but was among the team’s final roster cuts coming out of the preseason. He was re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

In 2016, Barnes appeared in six games for the Lions and recorded seven total tackles.