The Detroit Lions are signing linebacker Curtis Bolton from the practice squad to the active roster, according to a tweet from his agent, Orlando J. Castaño, Jr. of 4front Sports. The deal will reportedly extend through the 2022 season.
Signing youth to the active roster and extending them through the following season is common practice for NFL teams who have been eliminated from playoff contention. The Lions have already utilized this practice as recently as last week when they signed running back Craig Reynolds to a contract that extends through next season.
Often, this strategy is utilized when a player on the active roster is placed on injured reserve, but won’t be able to return this season.