Detroit Lions Sign Tight End Sean McKeon, Release Isaac Rex

The Detroit Lions have completed their 90-man roster following a successful rookie minicamp and tryout period. With OTAs starting next week, the Lions continue to make roster adjustments. On Thursday, they announced the signing of tight end Sean McKeon and the release of undrafted rookie tight end Isaac Rex.

McKeon, who went undrafted from the University of Michigan in 2020, initially signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He impressed during training camp, earning a spot on the active roster as the fourth tight end and starting one game in his rookie season.

Over the next four years, McKeon played in 45 games for the Cowboys, including three starts. He primarily served as a blocker and special teams player, accumulating 428 offensive snaps and 570 special teams snaps. According to PFF, McKeon received high grades as a blocker (79.2 pass blocking grade in 2023, 81.0 in 2022) and as a four-phase special teams contributor (64.7 grade in 2023, 72.2 as a rookie).

With the Lions retaining their top four tight ends—Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell, and Shane Zylstra—McKeon faces a challenge to make the lineup. However, given the new special teams rules and the Lions’ preference for blocking tight ends, he has a chance to secure a TE4 role in Detroit.

Rex, signed as an undrafted free agent, did not make a strong enough impression during rookie minicamp to retain his roster spot. It is unclear if he had a UDFA signing bonus or salary guarantees, but these are unlikely to significantly impact the Lions’ salary cap.