QLions Make Surprising Roster Move, Part Ways With Jackson Meeks
Detroit Lions Waive Jackson Meeks After Andre Cisco Trade
The Detroit Lions have added a veteran safety to their defense, but the move has come with an unfortunate consequence for one of their promising young offensive players.
Detroit waived tight end Jackson Meeks on Monday as the corresponding roster move for its trade acquisition of Andre Cisco from the New York Jets.
Meeks’ departure is notable because he had worked hard to earn his place on the Lions’ 53-man roster.
Meeks had made a strong impression in Detroit.
After joining the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2025, Meeks spent time developing with the organization. Originally a wide receiver, he made the transition to tight end during the 2026 offseason.
The position change appeared to be paying off. He impressed during training camp and finished the preseason with seven receptions, tying for the team lead. He also caught a touchdown in the preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts.
Those performances helped him earn a spot on the initial 53-man roster.
However, opportunities during the regular season were limited. Meeks appeared in four games and recorded just one reception for eight yards. He had also been inactive for Detroit’s last four games.
Now, his time on the active roster has come to an end.
The Lions, meanwhile, are adding experience to their secondary.
Andre Cisco arrives from the Jets with 80 career appearances and 59 starts. The 26-year-old safety has recorded eight interceptions during his NFL career and gives Detroit another experienced option in the defensive backfield.
The acquisition comes as the Lions continue managing injuries and looking for additional depth at safety.
For Meeks, the next step is uncertain. Because Detroit waived him, he must go through the waiver process before potentially returning to the Lions’ practice squad. Another team could also claim him.
It’s a difficult roster decision, especially for a young player who worked his way from an undrafted rookie to an active-roster spot.
Detroit got the defensive reinforcement it wanted, but the move also means saying goodbye to a developing player who had shown promise.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
