football

Lions sign 7924-yard QB to free agent contract after draft from Big Ten

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Detroit adds to its depth.

Lions sign 7924-yard QB to free agent contract after draft from Big Ten originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Detroit Lions obviously have a starting QB in place with Jared Goff.

They added to the quarterback depth chart on Saturday after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, though. They signed Luke Altmyer, the QB from Illinois. Former Illinois QB Luke Altmyer is signing with the Lions, source said.

pic. twitter. com/U6rnaWiehF — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026 Altmyer is a talented athlete who threw for 7,924 yards and 60 touchdowns in his college career.

He originally went to Ole Miss before starting for the Fighting Illini for three seasons. In 2024, he threw 22 touchdowns and six interceptions, and then it was 22 TDs and five INTs in 2025. He threw for a career-high 3,007 yards on a career-best 67.