3 hours ago
The Detroit Lions have taken care of one of their own, and now the full contract details for linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez are coming into focus.
According to Aaron Wilson, Rodriguez has agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million to remain in Detroit.
Malcolm Rodriguez contract Detroit Lions
Contract Breakdown
Here’s how the deal is structured:
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Total Value: $2.75 million
Signing Bonus: $137,500
Guaranteed Money: $2.7 million
Base Salary: $2.562 million
2026 Cap Hit: $1.402 million
The contract is classified as a four-year player qualifying contract, which helps lower the immediate salary cap hit while still rewarding Rodriguez with strong guaranteed money.
A Valuable Depth Piece Returns
Rodriguez, 26, has become a fan favorite since being selected by Detroit in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Across his career, he has:
Played in 50 games
Recorded 163 total tackles
Added 3.0 sacks and 2 forced fumbles
In 2025, Rodriguez appeared in seven games, totaling:
12 tackles
Though injuries have limited him at times, his energy, instincts, and physical style have made him a valuable contributor when healthy.
What This Means for Detroit
This move reflects the Lions’ continued emphasis on:
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Roster continuity
Special teams value
Linebacker depth
Rodriguez is unlikely to be a full-time starter, but he plays an important role in the rotation and brings a tone-setting mentality that fits Detroit’s identity.
Bottom Line
The Lions didn’t need to make a splash to improve their linebacker room, they simply kept a player who already understands the system and culture.
With a team-friendly cap hit and strong guarantees, this deal makes sense for both sides.
