Lions Bring Back Tom Kennedy, Their Longest-Tenured Player

Kennedy, an undrafted free agent, has been with the Detroit Lions since 2019.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:03pm

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The Detroit Lions have re-signed wide receiver and return specialist Tom Kennedy, who is now the longest-tenured player on the team after the release of former left tackle Taylor Decker. Kennedy, an undrafted free agent, has been with the Lions since 2019 and has carved out a role as a receiver and special teams contributor.

Why it matters

With the departure of veteran players like Taylor Decker, the Lions are turning to homegrown talent like Tom Kennedy to provide leadership and stability on the roster. Kennedy's ability to contribute on offense and special teams makes him a valuable asset as the team looks to build on recent seasons.

The details

Over his seven seasons in Detroit, Kennedy has caught 18 of his 30 targets for 231 yards, including four catches for 36 yards against the Green Bay Packers last Thanksgiving. He also had a productive 2025 season, returning 16 kickoffs for 447 yards after Week 11 and adding three punt returns for 50 yards. Kennedy is a former football and lacrosse player at Bryant University, where his most productive season as a receiver came in 2017 when he caught 57 passes for 888 yards and nine touchdowns.

  • Kennedy has been with the Detroit Lions since 2019.
  • Kennedy's single-game high of 54 receiving yards came against the Seattle Seahawks in October 2022.
  • Kennedy threw a 75-yard touchdown pass on a trick play in the 2022 season.

The players

Tom Kennedy

A wide receiver and return specialist who has been with the Detroit Lions since 2019, making him the longest-tenured player on the team.

Taylor Decker

A former left tackle for the Detroit Lions who was recently released, opening the door for Tom Kennedy to become the longest-tenured player on the team.

Jared Goff

The quarterback for the Detroit Lions, who is now the second-longest-tenured player on the team behind Tom Kennedy.

Jack Fox

The punter for the Detroit Lions, who is also one of the longer-tenured players on the team behind Tom Kennedy.

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What they’re saying

“Tom Kennedy is back with the only NFL team he's ever played for.”

— Richard Silva, Author (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

Tom Kennedy's re-signing with the Detroit Lions highlights the team's commitment to developing and retaining homegrown talent, even as veteran players depart. Kennedy's versatility as a receiver and special teams contributor makes him a valuable asset as the Lions look to build on their recent seasons and establish a strong core of players for the future.