Kennedy (ribs) is slated to re-sign with the Lions, Jeremy Reisman of Pride Of Detroit reports. Kennedy exited the Lions' 2025 regular-season finale due to a ribs injury, but his new deal with the team suggests he's moved past the issue. The 29-year-old from Bryant played a minor role in Detroit's offense last season, catching all four of his targets for 36 yards while accumulating 447 kick-return yards across just six appearances. Expect Kennedy to remain a depth option in the Lions' receiving corps for the 2026 season.
Kennedy recorded four receptions for 36 yards across six games with the Lions in 2025. He also recorded 447 yards on 16 kick returns and 50 yards on three punt returns. Kennedy didn't make the Lions' roster out of training camp, but he did manage to secure a spot on the practice squad. He appeared in the team's final six games due to injuries to the rest of the team's receiving corps, with all of his offensive production coming in Week 13. He also served as the primary kick returner for Detroit down the stretch, averaging 27.9 yards on his 16 returns. Kennedy is a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning he can easily be retained by the Lions if they choose to tender him.
Kennedy (ribs) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Chicago. Kennedy suffered an injury to his ribs in the fourth quarter, and his status for the remainder of the contest is now up in the air. In his absence, Kalif Raymond and Jacob Saylors are top candidates to see added work at kick returner for Detroit.