News Summary
The Detroit Lions have decided to waive safety Ian Kennelly as part of their roster cuts prior to the 53-man deadline. Kennelly, who had a successful college career at Grand Valley State, was signed as an undrafted free agent. Despite demonstrating potential during training camp and the preseason, fierce competition in the safety group led to this decision. Alongside Kennelly, the Lions are also waiving wide receiver Tom Kennedy and defensive end Mitchell Agude, as they look to solidify their roster with players capable of immediate contributions.
Detroit – The Detroit Lions have announced plans to waive safety Ian Kennelly as part of necessary roster cuts ahead of the 53-man deadline. This decision comes as the team finalizes its roster in preparation for the upcoming NFL season.
Ian Kennelly, who hails from Macomb, Michigan, had a distinguished college career at Grand Valley State, where he was recognized for his skills on the field. During his time at Grand Valley, he achieved first-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) honors twice. Over the course of 49 career games, Kennelly accumulated impressive stats, including 174 tackles, eight interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and one blocked punt.
After going undrafted in 2025, Kennelly signed on with the Lions as an undrafted free agent shortly after the NFL Draft. He made a notable impression during training camp, where he showcased his abilities in hopes of securing a roster spot. His performance at the team’s local pro day initially caught the attention of the Lions coaching staff, who noted his physical attributes and effective ball-tracking skills.
Throughout training camp, Lions safety coach Jim O’Neil highlighted Kennelly’s athleticism and quick-learning capabilities, particularly during position drills—despite his limited familiarity with the defensive scheme. Kennelly managed to record a total of 186 snaps in preseason games, contributing in both safety and special teams roles. In four preseason games, he tallied nine total tackles, further demonstrating his potential as a player.
The decision to waive Kennelly comes amid fierce competition in the Lions’ safety group, particularly with standout players like Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph occupying prominent roster spots. The Lions have been making strategic roster decisions aimed at retaining players who can contribute effectively on the field. In addition to Kennelly, the team is waiving wide receiver Tom Kennedy and defensive end Mitchell Agude.
Tom Kennedy has been with the Lions since 2019 and is recognized for his reliability and contribution to scout teams. Meanwhile, Kennelly’s exit opens up opportunities for other players, including Loren Strickland and Erick Halle, who may now have a chance to step up and showcase their abilities in the Lions’ secondary.
As Kennelly is set to be waived, he will be subject to waivers, meaning other teams may have the opportunity to claim him. If unclaimed, Kennelly could potentially join the Lions’ practice squad for continued development and training as he seeks to make an impact in the league.
Overall, the Lions are focused on assembling a squad capable of immediate contributions as they approach the season. As they navigate these roster adjustments, each decision plays a crucial role in shaping the team’s future performance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Pride of Detroit
- Detroit News
- WZZM 13
- Macomb Daily
- MLive
- Wikipedia: Detroit Lions
- Google Search: NFL 2025 season
- Google Scholar: Ian Kennelly
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Google News: Detroit Lions 2025
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
