The Detroit Lions have officially closed the book on their 2026 rookie class, with first-round pick Blake Miller signing his contract on Tuesday. The move means all seven of Detroit's draft selections are now under contract just in time for the team's summer activities.
Miller, a standout offensive tackle from Clemson, was selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While the Lions didn't release specific financial terms, Spotrac projects his rookie deal at roughly $21.87 million over four years. As a first-round pick, Detroit will also hold a fifth-year option on Miller's contract—a standard provision that gives the team added flexibility as he develops.
The former Clemson star brings an impressive resume to Motown. He started 54 consecutive games during his collegiate career, earning a reputation for durability, leadership, and consistency. Many draft analysts considered him one of the safest offensive line prospects in the entire class—exactly the kind of foundational piece general manager Brad Holmes has been targeting.
Miller's arrival comes at a pivotal time for Detroit's offensive front. The Lions entered the offseason looking to reshape portions of their line while getting younger in key areas. Holmes has repeatedly emphasized the importance of building depth and long-term stability in the trenches, and Miller is expected to play a major role in that vision.
The signing rounds out a busy week for Detroit's front office. The team had already agreed to deals with its other six draft picks earlier this week, including Derrick Moore, Jimmy Rolder, Keith Abney, Kendrick Law, Skyler Gill-Howard, and Tyre West. With Miller now officially on board, the entire 2026 rookie class is locked in and ready to hit the ground running.
For Lions fans, this is more than just a paperwork move. It signals that the team's long-term plan is coming together. Miller is viewed as one of the most "NFL-ready" offensive linemen from this draft class, and his presence should help stabilize a unit that's been in transition. Now officially under contract, Detroit's rookies can focus entirely on what matters most: getting to work and making an impact on the field.