Detroit Lions Make Bold Undrafted Signing in Keith Cooper Jr. as They Continue to Unearth Hidden Gems
The Detroit Lions have earned a growing reputation for their ability to uncover talent where others often overlook it. Whether through the NFL Draft or in the flurry of moves that follow it, the Lions have consistently shown they’re not afraid to dig deep to find contributors who can help bring the city of Detroit its long-awaited first Lombardi Trophy.
Despite coming up short of a Super Bowl berth last season, the Lions showed they are a legitimate contender, and oddsmakers agree. Entering the 2025 campaign, Detroit holds the fifth-best odds to win it all, listed at +950 on FanDuel Sportsbook. With that kind of momentum and expectation, general manager Brad Holmes isn’t leaving any stone unturned in his pursuit of talent.
Holmes, who has built a reputation for aggressive but calculated moves, has been particularly active in the undrafted free agency (UDFA) market this offseason. One of his most notable signings so far is that of Keith Cooper Jr., a hybrid linebacker/defensive lineman out of the University of Houston, who previously played at Tulane. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Cooper signed a lucrative undrafted deal with Detroit that includes a $145,000 total guarantee — comprising a $20,000 signing bonus and $125,000 of his salary guaranteed. That’s a significant investment for an undrafted player and signals just how highly the Lions view his potential.
Cooper is a versatile defender with the frame and athleticism that NFL teams covet in today’s increasingly positionless defensive schemes. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 259 pounds, he offers a rare combination of size, strength, and fluid movement, which allowed him to be productive in multiple roles throughout his college career. Over four seasons — three at Tulane and one at Houston — Cooper racked up 119 total tackles, 14 sacks, and eight pass deflections, showcasing his ability to make plays both in the backfield and in coverage.
His performance at Houston helped boost his draft stock, but he ultimately went unselected — a surprise to some scouts. Still, the Lions acted quickly to bring him on board and were willing to outbid competing teams for his services. The financial commitment they made is one of the highest the team has handed out during this year’s UDFA period, underlining their belief that he could be more than just a camp body.
Cooper fits the mold of what head coach Dan Campbell looks for in a developmental player — physical, relentless, and positionally flexible. The Lions have had past success turning so-called “tweeners” into contributors, and Cooper’s skill set suggests he could be next in line. With the ability to contribute on special teams and rotate between linebacker and edge rusher, he brings immediate versatility, which could earn him valuable reps during training camp and preseason.
That said, making the final 53-man roster won’t be easy. The Lions are deeper than they’ve been in years, particularly on defense, where competition is fierce. Still, even if Cooper doesn’t make the opening day roster, his physical tools and productivity make him a prime candidate for the practice squad, where he could continue to develop under the Lions’ coaching staff. Should injuries arise or his growth accelerate, Cooper might find himself called into action as soon as 2025. If not, the 2026 or 2027 seasons could see him emerge as a contributor in Detroit’s front seven.
In the end, the Lions are taking a smart, low-risk bet on a player with real upside — the kind of move that has helped transform them from perennial rebuilders into serious contenders. And for Cooper, it’s the beginning of what could be a promising NFL journey, fueled by belief, opportunity, and the right system.
