ALLEN PARK — Brodric Martin, a 2023 third-round pick by the Detroit Lions, is back on a 53-man roster.

Martin will reportedly sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers after spending a couple of months on the practice squad with the Kansas City Chiefs. The massive defensive tackle could never break the rotation with the Lions, with injuries and a lack of development playing into ending his time here.

The 6-foot-5, 326-pounder has appeared in five career games, making one start with the Lions last season. The 26-year-old has four tackles in those appearances, but none for loss and no sacks.

Martin was one of general manager Brad Holmes’ developmental dart throw picks two years ago. The traits and unteachable size were there, it just didn’t work out or translate to the field. The Lions also drafted Tyleik Williams in the first round of last year’s draft. They brought back DJ Reader, signed Roy Lopez and knew they had Alim McNeill coming back at some point. And that logjam and Martin’s stalled development led to his release ahead of the deadline to get down to 53 players back in August.

Holmes spoke about Martin over the offseason, saying he was always clear about Martin being “more in the developmental project bucket.”

“When he came (back) from his injury. he brought flashes, but you know, he had some low points as well,” Holmes said.

“We need to see more of the consistency of the flashes and he just needs to be a consistent player. And he knows that. We’ve had transparent conversations, and so, he knows that he needs to be a consistent player. He’s got all the ability, he’s got all the physical tools to be a consistent player.”

Now, Martin will get a chance to prove Holmes’ belief in him with the Steelers. He hasn’t appeared in an NFL regular-season game since Week 13 last year. Martin has played only 53 defensive snaps in the three seasons since he was a top-100 pick in 2023.

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