Detroit Lions Acquire Ex-Cardinals WR Greg Dortch
The Detroit Lions have added 27-year-old wide receiver Greg Dortch to their roster. He signed a one-year deal to join the team in Motown for 2026.
Signing details and roster context
Dortch joins Detroit after spending time with the Arizona Cardinals. The move fills a need after the Lions lost a returner in free agency.
Detroit did not re-sign Kalif Raymond, who signed with the Chicago Bears. Veteran Tom Kennedy remains on the Lions and produced return yards in 2025.
Injury timeline with the Cardinals
The Cardinals placed Dortch on Injured Reserve due to a chest issue. That designation likely ended his season, though a late return remained possible.
Following the move, Trent Sherfield Sr. was elevated from the practice squad. That set him up to play for Arizona again after leaving in free agency.
Dortch’s 2025 production
| Category | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 29 |
| Receiving yards | 206 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 3 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 1 |
| Punt return average | 11.6 yards |
| Kickoff return average | 26.2 yards |
He was also ranked sixth among returners in early Pro Bowl voting. Dortch played collegiately at Wake Forest.
Return game expectations
Detroit expects Dortch to contribute on special teams. His punt and kickoff averages show clear return value.
New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing likely wanted return help for the roster. The team lost a return specialist in free agency.
Coaching approach from Petzing
Petzing prefers coaching from the sideline, he explained on a recent podcast. He cited easier communication with the quarterback as a key reason.
He added that sideline work lets him process situations faster. He said the booth made quick, one-off conversations harder.
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