Ben Niemann: Everything you need to know

Niemann finished the 2024 season with 25 tackles (11 solo), one pass breakup and one fumble recovery across 17 regular-season games. Signed to a one-year, $1.125 million deal last offseason, Niemann didn't miss a single game for the Lions and made four starts at linebacker while Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez battled injuries at the position. On top of reserve linebacker duties, Niemann logged a career-high 295 special-teams snaps. The 29-year-old is once again slated to become a free agent this offseason.

Niemann recorded five total tackles (two solo) and a pass defensed in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Bills. Niemann played a season-high 43 defensive snaps in Week 15 with Trevor Nowaske (concussion) unavailable, amongst others. The five tackles were Niemann's highest total of the year and with the amount of injuries Detroit is dealing with, he'll likely operate in a similar role in Week 16 against the Bears.