The second week of the NFL preseason is happening around the league, and this is where players start to separate themselves.
Making plays in practice is one thing, but doing that on the field during these games is huge. And former Texans LB Zach Cunningham is making plays for the Detroit Lions. According to Mike Payton, Cunningham quickly flew into the backfield and hit QB Zach Wilson. Payton added that Cunningham is certainly going to make the roster.
Zach Cunninham flew into he backfield and hit Wilson. That could have been a sack. Cunningham is definitely making this roster.
— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) August 16, 2025
Former Texans LB Zach Cunningham Is Standing Out With the Lions This Summer
Back in May, the Lions signed Cunningham to a one-year, $1.25 million deal and provided them with a veteran presence in the middle of the field.
They needed that since Malcolm Rodriguez was placed on the PUP list due to a knee injury. He tore his ACL last November and wasn't ready to return to action yet. But with the increased reps in the middle, the 30-year-old is standing out.
In his eight-year career, he's played for the Texans, Titans, Eagles, and Broncos. Over five seasons with Houston, Cunningham racked up 570 total tackles, 26 TFLs, 12 QB hits, five forced fumbles, and 6.5 sacks.
Since leaving Houston, he has been a depth piece on various teams, but it looks like he will have a chance to make the team, and that's ideal. The Lions are a championship contender, and they understand they need to have reliable players at every level. Last season, the Lions dealt with multiple injuries on the defensive side of the ball, and that can happen any year.
They are looking to stay proactive, and Cunningham is seemingly locking up his spot on the roster. One thing that has worked in his favor as well is that the Lions had an extra preseason game due to suiting up in the Hall of Fame game.
The extra game is making his case to land on the team easier, and the Vanderbilt product is taking full advantage. The next week will be huge for Cunningham, but the way things are trending, he'll be on the Lions 53 53-man roster for the 2025 season.