Report: Detroit Lions signing 4th UFL receiver in a week

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - MAY 30: Lawrence Keys III #3 of the Houston Gamblers returns a punt against the Birmingham Stallions during the first quarter of a game at Protective Stadium on May 30, 2026 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Butch Dill/UFL/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Detroit Lions are adding another wide receiver from the UFL, their fourth signing of this week. According to UFL insider James Larsen, the Lions are adding Lawrence Keys III, former Houston Gambler, to their roster. He fills the roster spot vacant by Detroit's waiving of receiver Kyre Duplessis on Wednesday night.

Keys has been with the Gamblers for the last two seasons, and he broke out in 2026. He finished second in the UFL in all-purpose yards, thanks to his success as a kick and punt returner. He finished the seasons with 518 kick return yards (27.3 average), 134 punt return yards (12.2 average), and 349 receiving yards.

Special teams spark every time

Keys continues to lead the league in kick return yards! pic.twitter.com/zzLWBH2juh

- Houston Gamblers (@UFLGamblers) May 14, 2026

Prior to his time in the UFL, Keys had a brief opportunity with the Buffalo Bills after going undrafted out of Tulane in 2024. But after suffering a leg injury in training camp, he was cut. That stint included one preseason appearance where he logged 15 snaps and caught a single pass for 13 yards.

In college, Keys originally committed to Notre Dame and spent three years there and received his degree with the Fighting Irish. But after catching just 18 passes in three seasons, he transferred to Tulane. In two seasons there, he managed a total of 59 catches for 858 yards and nine touchdowns.

Most recently listed at 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, Keys is certainly of the slot receiver profile that brings some explosiveness in the return game. He reportedly ran a 4.54 at his pro day, but that doesn't accurately describe his burst on the field.

Keys joins the following other UFL signings the Lions made this week:

• Former Columbu Aviators WR Tay Martin
• Former Louisville Kings WR Tarik Black
• Former Louisville Kings WR Lucky Jackson

Like the previous three, Keys will have a tough time climbing the depth chart in a competitive wide receiver room. But with the Lions' returner spots still very much open after losing Kalif Raymond this offseason, Keys may have a leg up, especially since he's well-versed in the new kickoff style that was established in the UFL several years ago.