Pride of Detroit
Kindle Vildor expanded his role in 2024. Does that mean the Detroit Lions will re-sign him again?
As the 2024 season proved for the Detroit Lions, building depth can be just as important as filling your roster with top-end talent. For the past two years, cornerback Kindle Vildor has been part of that depth, and due to the Lions’ high amount of injuries, he’s received a lot of playing time over those two seasons.
Has he provided enough to earn a third contract in Detroit? Let’s take a closer look at Vildor and the free agency that awaits him.
Here’s a look at our previously written free agent profiles: WR Tim Patrick, G Kevin Zeitler, OT Dan Skipper, EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad, DT Kyle Peko, LB Derrick Barnes, CB Carlton Davis, CB Emmanuel Moseley, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, and K Michael Badgley.
Vildor played a significant amount in 2023, helping Detroit limp over the finish line—and starting all three playoff games for Detroit. His play was good enough given all the injuries at cornerback, but, unfortunately, he became infamous for being on the wrong end of a ridiculous play in the NFC Championship Game—with the ball bouncing off his facemask and caught by a 49ers receiver for a big play.
The Lions were happy enough with his play to re-sign him for 2024, but they also completely overhauled the room in the offseason. In addition to re-signing Vildor, the Lions also:
With all of these additions, it’s quite possible Vildor entered training camp on the outside looking in. He would have to earn his roster spot this year.
Note: PFF grades combine regular season and playoffs and reflect a minimum of 20% snaps at that position
Stats: 17 games (2 starts), 244 defensive snaps, 221 special teams snaps: 16 tackles, 3 passes defended
PFF defense grade: 46.7 (121 out of 128 qualifying CBs)
PFF run defense grade: 56.3 (94th out of 128)
PFF tackling grade: 42.8 (103rd out of 128)
PFF pass rush grade: 58.8 (54th out of 128)
PFF coverage grade: 45.0 (121st out of 128)
PFF special teams grade: 62.2 (400th out of 697)
With a little help from injuries (Moseley to IR), Vildor didn’t only make the team, but he found himself as part of the active roster for every single game this season. When Detroit turned to Vildor in training camp, he often worked with the first and second-team defenses and did not look out of place.
Beyond that, he earned an elevated role on special teams, becoming one of the team’s gunners alongside Dorsey. Before 2024, Vildor only had a total of 276 special teams snaps in his previous four seasons. He nearly matched that in 2024 with 221.
On defense, the Lions, again, would have to rely...
