On Saturday afternoon, the Detroit Lions announced that they have signed offensive tackle Justin Herron. In order to make room for Herron, the Lions have waived defensive tackle Raequan Williams
Herron was a sixth-round pick for the New England Patriots back in 2020. He would end up starting 10 games for the Patriots in his first two NFL seasons. However, in his third year, he was traded the the Las Vegas Raiders along with a seventh-round pick for a sixth-round pick in return. Two weeks later, he tore
his ACL.
In 2023, he made six game appearances and one start for the Raiders. He was eventually released in December.
Herron was given another shot with the New Orleans Saints last year, but he suffered a knee injury early in training camp and spent the entire year on injured reserve.
Obviously, injuries have plagued Herron’s short career, but he brings to the Lions experience and a great character. In 2021, he rescued a woman from an attempted sexual assault.
Herron’s addition raises questions about the health of backup tackle Dan Skipper, who suffered an injury in Detroit’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. After the game, Skipper was in a boot and told reporters it was a low-ankle sprain.
Herron will now enter a competition for the backup offensive tackle job with Skipper, Giovanni Manu, Jamarco Jones, and Mason Miller. Time will tell whether Herron will be legitimate competition or someone who will help a potentially short-handed Lions offensive line during training camp.
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