Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz congratulates Iowa defensive back Kaevon Merriweather (26) after scoring a touchdown against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)AP
ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions are adding a Michigan native and some safety depth to their practice squad.
When announcing the team had activated defensive lineman Brodric Martin from injured reserve, they reported the signing of Kaevon Merriweather and the release of Erick Hallett from the practice squad.
Peter Herbstreit is quickly becoming acquainted with the college football worldPeter Herbstreit is quickly becoming acquainted with the college football world
Merriweather played at Romulus and Belleville high schools, finishing his career at the latter. He was a basketball and football star, eventually landing at Iowa as a defensive back. The Michigan native was a four-year player for the Hawkeyes, posting four interceptions, one forced fumble and 118 tackles in that span.
Merriweather went undrafted in 2023. But he landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and even made the team’s initial 53-man roster. He appeared in 16 games and started twice as a rookie.
The 24-year-old appeared in nine games for the Bucs this year, too. But with an increased focus on special teams. He’s logged 44 defensive snaps and a whopping 200 on special teams. With Ifeatu Melifonwu back on injured reserve, Merriweather pads the depth at safety and as a ready-to-roll special teamer.
“I definitely take pride in it, I think, you know, there’s me and two or three other people (from Michigan here), I believe,” Merriweather told MLive at the 2023 combine. “So, I definitely take pride in it. I think we had a lot of talent in my class coming out of Michigan, so the fact that I’m one of few people here from the state of Michigan representing well is something I definitely take pride in.
“I did grow up a Lions fan. Man, it’s incredible to see the turnaround. I think they had a building season this year, and I definitely think they’re going to turn it around next year. I think they’re just going to keep building on top of what they’ve been able to do so far.”
BETTING: Check out our guide to the best Michigan sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.
Leave a Reply