The Chase Lucas era is over for the Detroit Lions. The Lions will not extend the exclusive rights free agent the required tender offer to retain his rights, per Lucas’ agent.
Lucas is an exclusive rights free agent, or ERFA. The cornerback was a seventh-round pick out of Arizona State in 2022, the second draft class under GM Brad Holmes. He played exclusively on special teams in 2023 and saw just six defensive reps as a rookie. The Lions had previously waived Lucas in December but brought him back to the practice squad in the postseason.
He was re-signed to the active roster for the NFC Championship game, where he made a costly gaffe. Lucas failed to down a perfect punt by Jack Fox and instead gifted the 49ers a touchback.
It’s a pretty straightforward negotiation for ERFA players. If the team offers an ERFA the league minimum contract for their experience level, that’s their contract for the upcoming season. If the team doesn’t choose to offer a league minimum, one-year contract, the player instead becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Thusly, Lucas will be free to sign with any team. The Lions will get no return compensation.