Lions sign first-round pick Blake Miller, rest of 2026 draft class

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Lions sign first-round pick Blake Miller, rest of 2026 draft class

Lions sign first-round pick Blake Miller, rest of 2026 draft class

Blake Miller's guaranteed four-year deal is worth $22.17 million and includes a $12.58 million signing bonus, according to OverTheCap.com

Lions sign first-round pick Blake Miller, rest of 2026 draft class

Blake Miller's guaranteed four-year deal is worth $22.17 million and includes a $12.58 million signing bonus, according to OverTheCap.com

The Detroit Lions have officially secured their future up front, signing first-round pick Blake Miller and the rest of their 2026 draft class to rookie contracts. For Miller, it's a deal that cements his place as a cornerstone of the team's offensive line rebuild.

Miller, selected 17th overall, inked a fully-guaranteed four-year contract worth $22.17 million, which includes a hefty $12.58 million signing bonus, according to OverTheCap.com. The signing was part of a broader wave of deals that also locked in second-round defensive end Derrick Moore and Day 3 selections Jimmy Rolder, Keith Abney, Kendrick Law, Skyler Gill-Howard, and Tyre West.

All eyes are now on Miller to step into the starting right tackle role this fall. At 6-foot-7 and 317 pounds, he brings a massive presence and a proven track record. The Clemson standout started all 54 games of his college career at right tackle, setting a school record with 3,778 snaps from scrimmage. A two-time first-team All-ACC selection, he was widely regarded as one of the top run blockers in the draft class.

"He's big, he's tough, he's smart, he's a finisher," Lions general manager Brad Holmes said on draft night. "He has unbelievable football character, work ethic. I mean, everything from a culture standpoint, he fits that. That's the easy part. But his ability is the stuff that—I mean, he's athletic. He's a good athlete, and it's hard to find guys that can move like that, that are finishers, which is what he is."

Miller will join what projects to be an all-27-and-under offensive line. All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell is shifting to left tackle, while Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany return as starting guards. The Lions also signed Cade Mays in free agency to anchor the center position. This youth movement comes after the team cut veterans Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow in cost-saving moves, signaling a clear commitment to building a younger, more consistent front.

For Lions fans, this signing is more than just a formality—it's a statement. With Miller's blend of size, athleticism, and relentless work ethic, Detroit is betting big on a line that could dominate for years to come. Whether you're gearing up for game day or just love the grind of the trenches, this is a team worth watching.

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