Homecoming Opportunity: Former Spartan Joe Bachie Returns to Michigan with Lions
Spartan standout Joe Bachie rejoins Michigan, seeking to ignite the Lions' thin linebacker corps and secure a lasting NFL role.
Former Michigan State standout linebacker Joe Bachie is heading back to the Mitten State, signing a contract with the Detroit Lions and earning another opportunity to carve out a role in the NFL. For the Lions, the linebacker position enters this season in somewhat unfamiliar territory. With the major loss of Alex Anzalone, there’s now a clear need for players to step up in a significant way.
That responsibility will likely fall on guys like Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes, both of whom have dealt with major injuries over the past two seasons but are now expected to take on consistent starting roles. Behind them, the depth chart leaves more questions than answers. Grand Valley State alum Trevor Nowaske, along with Damone Clark, Jimmy Rolder, and Erick Hunter, round out the room—but overall, it’s a group lacking proven depth.
That reality makes a signing like Bachie’s all the more interesting. Lions have signed LB Joe Bachie and DL Jay Tufele. pic.
twitter. com/wHs8EgWO3D — Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 29, 2026 Bachie played four seasons at Michigan State from 2016 to 2019, developing into one of the defense’s most reliable contributors. He burst onto the scene as a sophomore, appearing in all 12 games plus the bowl game while totaling 100 tackles, 3.