For the 2026 NFL season, the Detroit Lions are really leaning on their running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Both players typically share a lot of carries and contribute heavily to the team's strong running attack.
Who is the Lions new kicker?
Rosters in the NFL can change super fast, but for the 2026 season, the Detroit Lions' kicker is usually either a recent signing or a specialist who's back from the previous year, like Michael Badgley, who's had a few stints with the team.
Honestly, kicking jobs are incredibly tough to hold onto. Teams often swap players around based on how they're performing, if someone gets hurt, or just what fits their game plan. Randy Bullock was a significant kicker for the Lions in 2021 and 2022, but that spot often sees a lot of turnover. If you want the most current roster info, it's always smart to check the official Detroit Lions website or NFL.com's team page. (They're usually the most up-to-date sources, after all!)
Who is the Detroit Lions number 1 receiver?
Amon-Ra St. Brown is still, without a doubt, the Detroit Lions' number one receiver for the 2026 NFL season. He consistently leads the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards.
Ever since his breakout years, St. Brown has really cemented his spot as a top-tier offensive player. He's known for his fantastic route running, incredibly dependable hands, and that knack for picking up extra yards after he makes a grab. He's truly a foundational piece of the Lions' air game. His steady output and leadership on the field get a lot of praise from places like ESPN and Pro-Football-Reference, which just goes to show how crucial he is to the team's overall success. (Honestly, he's one of the most exciting players to watch!)
Who is the best Mr Irrelevant ever?
Figuring out the "best" is always tough and definitely up for debate, but Marty Moore and Mike Green often come up as some of the most successful "Mr. Irrelevants" in NFL history. They really made a mark with their contributions and stuck around in the league for a long time.
Marty Moore, whom the New England Patriots picked in 1994, made history as the very first Mr. Irrelevant to actually play in a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXI). That really showed everyone that even late-round picks can make a difference, especially on special teams. Then there's Mike Green, the last guy picked in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He had a pretty impressive nine-season career as a starting safety, snagging 15 interceptions. He proved incredibly durable and skilled for someone drafted dead last, which just goes to show that where you're picked doesn't always decide your career path. (It's a great underdog story, really.)
What is the smallest salary in the NFL?
For a rookie player in the 2026 season, the smallest salary in the NFL is expected to be about $850,000. That's the minimum base salary for someone in their first year, all thanks to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Now, this minimum salary actually goes up depending on how many seasons a player has been in the league. So, a veteran with more experience will get a higher minimum, even if they're not exactly a superstar. For example, someone with seven or more accrued seasons could pull in a minimum of over $1.2 million, as stated by the NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement. These numbers are just the absolute lowest you can make; plenty of players earn way more through performance bonuses and much bigger contracts.
Has there ever been a successful Mr Irrelevant?
Oh yes, absolutely! There have definitely been several "Mr. Irrelevants" who totally blew past expectations and built really meaningful NFL careers. They've proven that the very last pick of the draft can actually make a huge impact.
Besides Marty Moore and Mike Green, who showed they could stick around for years, we've got more recent examples like Brock Purdy. He was the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, and honestly, his story is incredible. Purdy quickly became the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, guiding them to playoff wins and even a Super Bowl appearance. That's an unheard-of level of success for a Mr. Irrelevant! These guys are fantastic reminders that with enough dedication and talent, you can totally beat the long odds that come with being the final selection.
What does Mr Irrelevant get paid?
A "Mr. Irrelevant" gets a pretty standard four-year rookie contract. The total amount and signing bonus depend on their exact draft slot and what the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) says. For the last pick, this usually falls somewhere between $3.5 million and $4 million over those four years.
Take Brock Purdy, the 2022 Mr. Irrelevant, for instance. He signed a four-year, $3.7 million deal, which included a signing bonus of about $77,000, according to Spotrac. While their first paychecks aren't huge compared to the top draft picks, if they perform exceptionally well (like Purdy did!), it can totally open the door to massive future contract extensions and endorsement deals. That can really boost their overall career earnings way beyond what their initial rookie deal offered.
Do all NFL draft picks get paid?
Yep, every single player picked in the NFL Draft gets a contract and gets paid. Their compensation is all set up through a standardized system that's based on their draft position and the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Every drafted player signs a four-year deal. There are specific minimums and maximums for their base salary and signing bonus, all decided by where they were picked overall. This "slotting system" really makes rookie contracts fair and predictable. It cuts out those long, drawn-out negotiations, letting players just focus on getting ready for pro football. This whole structured setup, which the NFL Players Association keeps an eye on, makes sure all the new draft classes have some financial stability.
How much do practice squad players make?
For the 2026 NFL season, practice squad players generally make at least $12,500 per week if they have two or fewer seasons under their belt. That adds up to $212,500 for a full 17-week regular season.
Now, veteran players who've been around for more than two seasons actually get a higher minimum weekly salary. In 2026, that's expected to be about $14,500 per week, which comes out to $246,500 for the regular season. These weekly payments give players a steady income while they're honing their skills and trying to get bumped up to the active roster. It's a really important stepping stone to an NFL career, just like it says in the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Do practice squad players get a Super Bowl ring?
Yes, absolutely! Practice squad players who are on the winning team when they clinch a Super Bowl are definitely entitled to get a Super Bowl ring. It's a way of recognizing their contribution to that championship season.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) actually says that teams *have* to give rings to practice squad members. Now, the rings might look a little different or not be quite as valuable as the ones given to active roster players or coaches, but that's okay. No matter the monetary worth, getting a Super Bowl ring is a huge honor. It truly symbolizes all their hard work, dedication, and the important part they played in the team's ultimate success, cementing their spot in franchise history.
How many weeks do practice squad players get paid?
Practice squad players usually get paid for 17 weeks, which lines up perfectly with how long the NFL's regular season runs.
That said, their paychecks can actually keep coming in past the regular season if their team makes it to the playoffs. If a team goes on a deep playoff run, practice squad players will keep getting their weekly payments for every week their team is still in the hunt, even through the Super Bowl. This gives them some extra cash and a longer chance to really show off their skills in a super high-pressure setting.
Can I tryout for the NFL?
Nope, you can't just "walk on" to an NFL team for a tryout out of the blue. You need an invitation or to go through a very specific path. The NFL's recruitment process is super selective and incredibly formal.
Most aspiring players generally have to get a ton of experience and exposure first, usually by playing top-tier college football and showing elite performance at big programs. Or, they might play in other pro leagues like the UFL or CFL. Scouts really dig deep when evaluating prospects. The main ways to get into the NFL are either through the annual draft or as an undrafted free agent. In those cases, players get invited to rookie mini-camps or training camps based on their college careers and if they have an agent. Building up a solid athletic resume and finding a good agent are absolutely vital steps for anyone hoping to catch the NFL's eye. (It's a tough road, but not impossible!)
