Detroit, MI . May 2026
The Detroit Lions continue strengthening their defensive front after aggressively targeting young developmental talent following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Detroit reportedly remained focused on adding explosive edge defenders capable of eventually contributing within the team’s aggressive defensive rotation entering offseason workouts immediately.
According to reports, the Lions signed undrafted edge rusher Mason Reiger shortly after the draft despite interest from multiple organizations.
The former Wisconsin Badgers and Louisville Cardinals defender stands 6-foot-4 while weighing approximately 251 pounds entering rookie minicamp this offseason.
Although Reiger went undrafted, league evaluators reportedly remained intrigued by his physical tools, explosiveness, and ability to pressure quarterbacks during meaningful games consistently.
The 23-year-old defender originally began his collegiate career at Louisville before later transferring to Wisconsin for his final football season afterward.
Unfortunately, Reiger missed the entire 2024 season because of injury, temporarily slowing momentum following his productive breakout campaign during the previous year.
Back in 2023, Reiger emerged as one of Louisville’s most disruptive defensive players while helping stabilize the Cardinals’ aggressive defensive front defensively.
During that productive season, Reiger recorded 21 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, and one forced fumble against quality offensive competition consistently.
One of his strongest performances came against Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he produced two sacks and repeatedly disrupted the quarterback afterward.
Internally, Detroit reportedly views Reiger as a developmental edge defender capable of eventually earning rotational defensive snaps and special teams responsibilities immediately.
The Lions also reportedly loved Reiger’s relentless motor, physical edge-setting ability, and willingness to embrace trench battles entering rookie camp competition.
Despite entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent, Detroit reportedly believes Reiger possesses legitimate long-term upside within the organization’s defensive rebuilding plans.
The Lions continue emphasizing younger, faster defensive athletes capable of generating consistent pressure against explosive NFC offenses throughout the demanding 2026 season.
If Reiger adapts quickly during training camp, Detroit may have quietly uncovered another underrated defensive contributor hidden outside traditional draft expectations.
Stay tuned to ESPN!