Merriweather was signed to the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on November 20, just two days after being released by the Buccaneers, providing the Michigan native the opportunity to return home and play for a Super Bowl contender.
Merriweather joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2023, starting two games as a rookie. He appeared in nine games for the Buccaneers in 2024, largely on special teams, which might make him helpful to the Lions right away.
“Merriweather played at Romulus and Belleville high schools, finishing his career at the latter,” MLive.com’s Benjamin Raven reported on November 20, when Merriweather signed with the Lions. “He was a basketball and football star who eventually landed at Iowa as a defensive back. The Michigan native played four years with the Hawkeyes, totaling four interceptions, one forced fumble, and 118 tackles.
Michigan native grew up cheering for the Lions.
Merriweather returning home and winning a Super Bowl would make his departure from the Buccaneers seem like a godsend – so by losing his job, Merriweather may have ended up with an even better employment.
He also grew up rooting for the Lions, which should say something about his dedication. Merriweather, who was born in Belleville, Michigan in December 1999, grew up watching some absolutely awful football. The Lions did not have a winning season from 2001 to 2011, when Merriweather was 12 years old.
This span included a 0-16 season in 2008.
“I definitely take pride in it, I think, you know, there’s me and two or three other people (from Michigan here), I believe,” Merriweather said at the 2023 NFL combine. “So I am definitely proud of it. I believe we have a lot of talent in my class from Michigan, so the fact that I’m one of the few people representing the state of Michigan properly is something I’m very proud of. I grew up as a Lions supporter. It’s remarkable to see the turnaround. I believe they had a building season this year, and I am confident they will turn it around next year. I believe they will continue to expand on what they have accomplished thus far.
Buccaneers defensive backfield One of the NFL’s worst.
The Buccaneers are 4-6 after four straight losses, clinging to postseason aspirations despite a slew of injuries and one of the NFL’s worst defences. Tampa Bay’s overall defence is ranked 31st in the NFL heading into a Week 12 away game against the New York Giants, and they have allowed 21 passing touchdowns in 10 games, ranking 30th.
The Bucs have been in this situation before. In 2022, they went 6-8 before rallying to finish 8-9 and get to the NFC Wild Card Round in the final season of iconic quarterback Tom Brady. They were 4-7 in 2023 before going on a late-season push to finish 9-8 and win the NFC South Division, ultimately defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round.
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