When it comes to finding hidden gems, the Detroit Lions have made a habit of looking to the UFL — and it keeps paying off. From kicker Jake Bates to defensive back Nick Whiteside, the Lions have successfully plucked talent from the spring league and turned it into NFL production. Now, with a few roster spots still open and training camp on the horizon, there's one UFL standout the Lions should seriously consider bringing back for another look.
That player is edge rusher Willie Gill, and if the name sounds familiar to Lions fans, it should. Gill spent time on Detroit's practice squad during the 2024 season before the Carolina Panthers signed him away to their active roster. Since then, he's been tearing it up in the UFL, and his recent surge makes him an intriguing option for a Lions defense that could use a little more pass-rush depth.
Gill has been around the NFL since 2020, when he helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win a Super Bowl as a rookie. In that big game, he made a memorable play — sacking Patrick Mahomes and forcing a fumble. Over the years, he's appeared in 50 regular-season games, contributing mostly on special teams during stints with the Panthers and Vikings. He didn't play in the NFL in 2025, but he signed with the UFL's Kings for the 2026 spring season and has been nothing short of dominant.
Through just six games, Gill has racked up 27 pressures and a league-leading 6.5 sacks. He's currently in the running for the UFL's Defensive Player of the Year award, and his hot streak is exactly the kind of momentum that translates well to a training camp competition. While he wouldn't be expected to start in Detroit, his ability to get after the quarterback — combined with solid run-stopping skills — makes him a strong candidate for a depth role.
The Lions have historically brought eight edge rushers into camp. Right now, they sit at seven. Adding Gill would not only fill that spot but also bring in a player who already knows the system and has proven he can produce when given the chance. For a team that loves finding value in the UFL, this move just makes sense.