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Roster Move: Lions Sign Brian Branch Replacement, Reunite with DL, and Cut Rookie WR in Wave of Roster Changes

DETROIT, Michigan – One week after their crucial victory over the Dallas Cowboys, the Detroit Lions are heading into the final stretch of the season with a heavily battered defense and have been forced to make decisive, immediate adjustments. Brian Branch’s season-ending torn Achilles created a massive void in the secondary, pushing the Lions into emergency roster maneuvers.

On December 8, the team announced the signing of safety Damontae Kazee and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor to the practice squad, while releasing rookie wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, who had only been added to the roster a week earlier. These moves make the Lions’ priority crystal clear: patch the defensive holes before entering the make-or-break portion of the playoff race.

Kazee, 32, is a 9-year veteran with 111 NFL games played and 63 starts. His career stat line – 363 tackles, 24 pass deflections, 17 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles – is exactly the kind of proven playmaking Detroit desperately needs with Branch and Kerby Joseph sidelined. Pat O’Connor, meanwhile, is a familiar face: he played 12 games for Detroit last season and 8 this year, primarily contributing on special teams and as a rotational defensive lineman.

The decision to cut rookie WR Andrew Armstrong – an undrafted free agent – stemmed from the urgent defensive need. Armstrong had been signed as insurance in case Amon-Ra St. Brown couldn’t play, but with Branch, Harper, and Joseph all injured, the Lions had no choice but to prioritize safety and defensive line depth.

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Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the flurry of moves: “When you lose pieces like Branch, you have to react fast and you have to react right. We brought in guys who fit, who have experience, who are ready to fight right now. The most important thing is keeping this team steady in the toughest part of the season.”

With the NFC race tighter than ever, the Lions are counting on Kazee and O’Connor to make an immediate impact and help Detroit maintain the roster balance and playoff ambition they’ve fought all year to earn.

BREAKING: Chiefs Among Top Landing Spots for Former $141 Million Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher
Kansas City, Missouri – January 2026 Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly one of the top landing spots for Khalil Mack, a former $141 million edge rusher, as he is set to hit free agency in the spring. The 34-year-old player, widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer, is expected to be a top target for teams looking to add a veteran pass rusher to their roster, and the Chiefs could be a perfect fit. After spending the past few years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack had a solid 2025 season, recording 5.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures. While Mack may not be the dominant force he once was, he remains a top-tier pass rusher and a leader with invaluable experience, potentially providing a significant boost to the Chiefs' defense, which is already formidable. According to Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports, the Chiefs could be a leading contender for Mack’s services. “Mack would be a perfect addition to Kansas City, a team that’s already stacked on offense but could use another strong presence on defense. The Chiefs have the salary cap flexibility to bring in a veteran like Mack without making a major financial commitment, making him an ideal fit for their Super Bowl aspirations,” Pereles said. The Chiefs have established themselves as one of the NFL's elite teams, particularly on offense, but adding a veteran presence like Mack could provide that extra edge needed on defense. His leadership and ability to disrupt quarterbacks would be a valuable asset as Kansas City pushes for another Super Bowl title. However, the Chiefs won’t be the only team competing for Mack’s services. Other teams like the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Carolina Panthers are also interested. The Bears and Bengals have specific defensive needs, while the Panthers have multiple positions to fill on their defense. “Chiefs is an organization with a rich history and a bright future. They have an incredible offense, but I know I can help elevate their defense to the next level. I want to be part of something special and bring that championship mentality to a team that’s already so close to greatness. If I’m given the chance, I will do everything in my power to help the Chiefs win it all,” Mack shared. For Mack, the final decision will depend on the role he’s offered and which team is best positioned to contend for a Super Bowl in the coming years. But as the Chiefs continue their pursuit of another championship, they remain one of the most attractive landing spots for this veteran pass rusher.