Allen Park, Mich. – The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed free agent LB Kelvin Sheppard to the active roster. Contract terms were not disclosed.
In addition, the Lions announced that they have signed DE Alex Barrett to the practice squad and released TE Jerome Cunningham from the practice squad.
Sheppard joins the Lions after most recently playing with the New York Giants from 2016-17, where he appeared in 23 games (17 starts) and totaled 96 tackles (59 solo) and two interceptions. A third-round draft selection (68th overall) by the Buffalo Bills in the 2011 NFL Draft out of LSU, Sheppard played two seasons (2011-12) with the Bills prior to stints with the Indianapolis Colts (2013) and Miami Dolphins (2014-15). His career totals include 100 games played (62 starts), 399 tackles (258 solo), 3.0 sacks, 25 tackles for loss and two interceptions.
Barrett returns to Detroit after spending time on the practice squad earlier this season. He originally joined the League after signing with the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of San Diego State following the 2017 NFL Draft. He has appeared in two career games with one tackle.
