The Detroit Lions added depth and experience to their linebacker room today, signing unrestricted free agent Damone Clark. While financial terms were not released, the move brings in a player with starting experience on defense, special teams in all four phases, and, potentially, some developmental upside.
Clark, a former fifth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, entered the league out of LSU with a reputation for his sideline-to-sideline range and strong instincts. Despite undergoing spinal fusion surgery to repair a herniated disk a month before the 2022 NFL Draft, Clark managed to appear in 10 games his rookie season—starting at linebacker for Dallas in five of those contests. He would end up spending three full seasons in Dallas before being waived last November by the Cowboys. The Houston Texans claimed Clark off waivers, and he appeared in six games, playing just 24 snaps on defense, but playing a substantial role on special teams (130 snaps). In his career, Clark has produced 190 tackles, six tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
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Detroit’s announcement on the team’s website confirmed the signing, where they highlighted Clark’s experience across multiple defensive systems early in his career. The 24-year-old has shown flashes as a downhill run defender with the athleticism to contribute in coverage, though consistency is an area for growth for the fifth-year linebacker.
For the Lions, Clark adds competition and versatility to a linebacker group that continues to evolve after both Alex Anzalone and Grant Stuard have departed during free agency. Clark’s ability to play fast, diagnose plays, and contribute on early downs could give him a chance to carve out a meaningful role in Detroit on defense, all while he most certainly has a leg up when it comes to earning special teams reps.
Stay tuned to Pride of Detroit for more updates about Clark’s contract as they become available.