The Michigan Panthers to Detroit Lions pipeline remains intact. CB D.J. Miller Jr. has signed with the Lions, the team announced today.
With safety Dan Jackson being placed on IR, the Lions needed some depth at CB. They’ve signed Luq Barcoo – the former Brahma during the XFL’s 2023 season – while also bringing in Miller, a local product who was with the Michigan Panthers this past UFL campaign.
Miller, originally drafted by San Antonio, landed with Michigan due to the Brahmas being over-capacity with CB’s already. D.J. – who was in training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs – eventually made his way to the UFL following his release.
Breaking: The Michigan Panthers have signed DB D.J. Miller, per @FOXSports.
Miller started his college career at Iowa State, before moving to Kent State to finish out his last two seasons. At Kent State, Miller racked up 109 tackles and 3 PBU’s.
Recenty, D.J. spent time with… pic.twitter.com/Y90Y5B4u6m
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) December 14, 2024
D.J. Miller was one of the key pieces in Collin Bauer’s defense this season. He was a versatile corner for the team, taking on some of the toughest assignments week in and week out. Miller ended the season with 35 tackles, two interceptions, six PBU’s, and seven defensive stops.
Miller burst onto the scene in week two, when he picked off Birmingham’s Matt Corral twice – nearly sparking a comeback in that game. He forced 11 incompletions on the year; 3rd in the UFL for CB’s.
STAYING HOME: @USFLPanthers CB D.J. Miller Jr. has signed with the #Lions, the team announced today.
Miller was a stud for Michigan in his rookie pro year, totaling two picks for the Panthers in the #UFL.
See also
From one Michigan pro team to another. pic.twitter.com/RLGvK9oeei
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 4, 2025
D.J. is a young prospect out of Kent State. He had a tremendous career there, prior to his time in the NFL and UFL. Now, he lands back in the NFL – this time with the Detroit Lions. Miller will have the opportunity to play a couple of preseason games at Ford Field; a place he’s very familiar with.
Detroit is an NFL team that has targeted UFL talent as well. They’ve signed RB Jacob Saylors and DB Nick Whiteside already; and of course, also roster Panthers legend Jake Bates from last season.
Miller is the fourth Panthers player to sign an NFL contract this offseason. Without the national platform that the UFL provided him with, who knows if this would have been made possible. You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on D.J. Miller signing with the Lions? Which Panthers player should sign to the NFL next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
