Lions 2026 UDFA: Erick Hunter, LB
Can Hunter overcome a shoulder surgery to crack the roster?
The Lions signed linebacker Erick Hunter as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) and gave him a good amount of guaranteed money ($175K) to do so.
His 4.48 40-time at the HBCU Combine likely made an impression on the Lions who hope to add depth to a LB unit that is solid now, but could use some long-term help.
Below is the medical report for Hunter. For a full breakdown of the 2026 rookie class, visit my Lions 2026 draftees + UDFA page.
Medical concern level ranges from 0 (no concern) to 10 (extreme).
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information and are unverified - subject to update. Games-played data was obtained from the Morgan State official website.)
Erick Hunter, LB (23) - Morgan State
Contract: 3-year, $3,125,000 contract, $175,000 guaranteed
Medical Concern Level: 4/10
2025: 12/12 games
2024: Only played in final game of season. Missed almost entire season with shoulder surgery.
2023: 10/10 games
2022: 11/11 games
2021: 9/11 games
Hunter has a significant injury in his past with a 2024 shoulder surgery. But it’s reassuring though that he logged a reliable, productive year afterwards. In his final season, he led the conference with 102 tackles, 4 sacks, and 24 TFL.
A shoulder issue can be a problem for a LB, but not necessarily a limitation. Just look at recently-departed Lion, Alex Anzalone, who has overcome a right shoulder issue dating back to his college days to put together a lengthy, excellent career. Anzalone is still going strong at age 31.
Hunter’s age is slightly higher than ideal but is not a major issue as a UDFA.
In his full college career, he compiled 10.5 sacks and 35 TFL.
For the medical report on the Lions 4th-round linebacker, Jimmy Rolder…