New Lions LB Damone Clark Knows Playing Time Isn't Guaranteed

Clark, who signed a one-year deal with the Lions, is ready to compete for a starting job after playing more special teams than defense the past two seasons.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:07am

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Linebacker Damone Clark, who signed with the Detroit Lions in the offseason, is familiar with new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard from their time together at LSU. Clark knows he'll have to earn his playing time in Detroit, as the team has several linebackers competing for starting roles.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to improve their defense after a disappointing 2023 season, and Clark's familiarity with Sheppard could give him an advantage in the competition for a starting job. However, he understands that he'll need to put in the work to win the job, as there are "no homeboys" in the NFL.

The details

Clark, a fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, had his most productive season as a pro in 2023, recording a team-high 109 tackles and one fumble recovery. However, he has played more snaps on special teams than defense the past two seasons. The Lions return Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes at linebacker, but have one starting spot open after Alex Anzalone left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.

  • Clark signed a one-year deal with the Lions on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • In 2024, Clark broke up a tackle-eligible pass from Jared Goff to Taylor Decker in the end zone during the Lions' 47-9 blowout of the Cowboys.
  • In 2023, the Cowboys beat the Lions, 20-19, in a primetime showdown when the Lions' go-ahead two-point conversion was overturned on an illegal touching penalty.

The players

Damone Clark

A linebacker who signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions in 2026 after playing for the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans the past two seasons.

Kelvin Sheppard

The defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who previously worked with Damone Clark when Sheppard was the director of player development at LSU in 2020.

Jared Goff

The quarterback for the Detroit Lions, who was involved in the controversial two-point conversion play against the Cowboys in 2023 and the blowout win in 2024.

Taylor Decker

An offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions who was the intended receiver on the tackle-eligible pass play that Damone Clark broke up in 2024.

Dan Skipper

An offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions who was incorrectly announced as reporting eligible on the two-point conversion play that was overturned in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“You got to know it's a copycat league so everybody's going to do it. You just got to be prepared for it and have your antennas up.”

— Damone Clark, Linebacker

“I'm blessed just to be in this position to be able to come here and get coached by Shep, cause I know how he is outside of ball and it ain't no different. He's going to always shoot it straight to you. Like I mentioned, it don't matter just cause I've been knowing Shep. I talked to him today, at the end of the day, I need to do what I got to do. There's no homeboys in this business. You need to come in here, put your head down and go to work and the best man'll win.”

— Damone Clark, Linebacker

What’s next

The Lions will continue to evaluate their linebacker corps during the offseason program and training camp, with Clark competing for a starting job alongside Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes.

The takeaway

Damone Clark's familiarity with new Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard could give him an advantage in the competition for a starting linebacker job, but he knows he'll have to earn his playing time through hard work and dedication, as there are "no homeboys" in the NFL.