Avonte Maddox: Everything you need to know

Detroit re-signed Maddox on Monday. Maddox spent last season with the Lions, and in 2026 he figures to bolster the team's depth at safety. The veteran began the 2025 campaign in a reserve role but finished the year as a starter due to injury attrition at the position. With starting strong safety Brian Branch in recovery mode from a torn Achilles that he suffered in early December, Maddox could be a fantasy-relevant option in IDP formats to begin 2026.

Maddox recorded 32 tackles (23 solo) with four passes defensed, inclusion one interception, and one forced fumble across 14 regular-season games with the Lions in 2025. Maddox primarily played special teams to begin the season and was sidelined for two games by a hamstring issue. However, his role expanded for the final four contests of the campaign due to injuries in the Lions secondary, and he logged over 300 defensive snaps for the second straight year. Maddox is set to hit free agency and should be able to land a deal as a depth option.

Maddox (back/illness) was a full participant at practice Thursday. Maddox was able to increase his participation to full Thursday after opening the week as a limited participant at practice Wednesday. The 29-year-old will likely return to his starting role at strong safety against the Bears on Sunday.