
#53 LB · Detroit Lions
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'3"
Weight
237 lbs
Age
27
College
Saginaw Valley State
Draft
Undrafted
Experience
3 yrs
LB Rank
#291 / 349
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Tkl | Sacks | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 31 | 46 | 3.0 | 1 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 15 | 22 | 1.0 | 0 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 14 | 23 | 2.0 | 1 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 2 |
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.4M
Guaranteed
$550K
AAV
$1.4M/yr
This signing grades out as a solid deal for the Detroit Lions — the team is getting significantly more on-field production than what they're paying for. Trevor's on-field performance ranks in the upper half among NFL LBs, grading him as a solid starter at the position. His $1.4M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the LB market. The production-to-cost ratio is favorable — solid starter output at a bargain price point represents solid asset management. Trevor is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract. The 1-year, $1.4M deal ($550K guaranteed, 41%) keeps the commitment short, giving the team financial flexibility to move on if performance drops.
Trevor Nowaske's F grade in Detroit reflects a linebacker who has been unable to contribute at the NFL level despite being on one of the league's best rosters. The young defender hasn't been able to earn meaningful playing time in a Lions defense that has been historically good. His F grade captures a player who is far from being ready to contribute on the defensive side of the ball. Detroit's deep roster means players like Nowaske need to show something exceptional to crack the lineup. His development has stalled, and the production in limited action hasn't inspired confidence. He's fighting for a roster spot with little ammunition.
A low-risk roster retention move with minimal fantasy or competitive impact. Five headlines confirm the re-signing, though coverage is thin and paired with a receiver signing. Nowaske is a fringe depth piece, not a rotation staple or special teams standout. Fans barely noticed, with Kennedy's return generating far more buzz online. Nowaske projects as a camp body competing for a late-roster or practice squad spot.
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Updated Mar 18, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
F
2024
(30% weight)
D-
2023
(20% weight)