The Detroit Lions have reportedly signed an offensive lineman ahead of training camp, bringing their roster up to 90 players.
According to a report from NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Detroit Lions have signed offensive lineman Ike Boettger . The Lions had one spot open on the roster after releasing kicker James Tuner following OTAs and will now have a full 90-man roster heading into training camp.
Boettger played offensive tackle and guard at Iowa but went undrafted in 2018. He signed with the Buffalo Bills but was waived at cutdowns. The Chiefs claimed Boettger off waivers, but he only lasted 10 days on the roster before being waived again. After passing through waivers, he rejoined the Bills on their practice squad and was called up for reserve guard duties late in the season.
In total, Boettger would stay in Buffalo for five seasons, seeing action in 37 games and starting 20 games during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, including three postseason contests. In 2022 he would spend the majority of his season on the PUP and subsequently failed to make the Bills roster in 2023. Later that season, he joined the Indianapolis Colts practice squad, was promoted to the active roster as a reserve, and saw action in two games on special teams.
Throughout his career, Boettger has started games at both right and left guard, and while he has cross-trained at center in the preseason, he was never called up to play the pivot during the regular season. He has tackle experience dating back to college, but like at center, it’s not been something he has done at the NFL level.
The addition of Boettger brings the Lions offensive linemen total to 18 players, which includes five established starters, five rookies, and several veterans battling for roster and practice squad spots.
Lions rookies have already reported to Allen Park to begin their training camp acclimation and veterans are expected to report on Tuesday.