The Detroit Lions are moving fast to patch a depleted defense.
The team is signing linebacker Owen Pappoe to their practice squad, pending a physical, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday. The move comes immediately after the team signed K.J. Britt on Monday night, signaling a swift front-office response to mounting defensive needs.
A Brief Stint in Tennessee and an Arizona Draft Pedigree
Pappoe enters the Detroit organization after spending the start of this season with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans released him following Week 1.
He was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Pappoe played in Arizona through last season, appearing in 50 career games with two starts and recording 27 tackles last year.
The #Lions are currently expected to sign linebacker Owen Pappoe to their practice squad pending a physical, sources tell @CBSSports. Former 2023 fifth-round draft pick of the Cardinals who played for Arizona through last season. Had 27 tackles for the Cardinals last year. pic.twitter.com/eMJLH1ljdU
Elite Combine Speed Seeking an Extended Pro Role
At the 2023 NFL Combine, Pappoe ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. It was the fastest time among linebackers in his draft class.
Despite that elite athleticism, that speed has not yet translated into an extensive defensive role at the professional level.
Heavy Special Teams Workload in Arizona
Over his NFL career, Pappoe has logged 341 defensive snaps. That total includes just 96 snaps during the 2025 season.
While Arizona occasionally utilized his speed in specialized packages on third down, his primary impact has come on special teams. In 2025, he played 373 special teams snaps and tallied 16 special teams tackles, the second-highest mark on the Cardinals.
Immediate Impact Expected on Detroit Special Teams
The addition of Pappoe is expected to bolster a depleted linebacker room and contribute immediately to Detroit’s special teams units rather than threaten the starting role held by Jack Campbell.
While his speed offers potential utility in coverage situations, available career data points toward a rotational or depth role as he joins his third NFL franchise.
