Detroit Lions Sign DB Christian Izien to One-Year Deal

Former Buccaneers safety looks to earn playing time in Detroit's secondary

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The Detroit Lions have signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Christian Izien to a one-year contract. Izien, an undrafted free agent, has NFL experience but is coming off a down season in 2025. With injuries to Lions safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, Izien will have an opportunity to earn a roster spot and playing time in Detroit's secondary.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to bolster their secondary depth with the signing of Izien. With uncertainty around the health of Branch and Joseph, Izien provides an experienced option who has flashed potential in the past. This low-risk, 'prove-it' deal could pay dividends if Izien can regain his 2024 form and solidify the Lions' safety position.

The details

Izien signed a one-year contract with the Lions, though the financial terms have not been disclosed. He broke into the league as an undrafted free agent with the Buccaneers in 2023, recording two interceptions in his first two games. Izien started four games as a rookie and 10 games in 2024, but saw his playing time decrease in 2025. The Lions are hoping Izien can bounce back and earn a larger role in their secondary.

  • Izien signed with the Lions on March 12, 2026, the first day of the new league year.
  • In 2024, Izien recorded an interception against Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

The players

Christian Izien

A former undrafted free agent safety who spent his first three NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions who signed Izien to a one-year contract.

Brian Branch

A Lions safety who is dealing with a lower body injury and is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

Kerby Joseph

A Lions safety whose timeline for return from a lower body injury is unclear, according to Lions head coach Dan Campbell.

Dan Jackson

A 2025 seventh-round pick by the Lions who missed the entire 2025 season with a lower body injury.

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What’s next

The Lions will monitor the recovery timelines of safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph to determine how large of a role Izien will have in the secondary. Izien will need to prove he can regain his 2024 form and stay healthy in order to earn a spot on the Lions' final roster.

The takeaway

The signing of Christian Izien is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Detroit Lions as they look to bolster their secondary depth. Izien has shown flashes of potential in the past, and with injuries to key safeties, he has an opportunity to earn playing time and solidify a roster spot with a strong training camp and preseason.