Even though Jake Bates has been spot on for the Detroit Lions, they’ve gone ahead and signed Matt McCrane to the practice squad. McCrane has spent the last two seasons with the DC Defenders, serving the team with consistent and accurate kicking.
JUST IN: The Detroit Lions are signing K Matthew McCrane to the practice squad, per source.
McCrane finished 28/36 for the @XFLDefenders the past two seasons in the #XFL and #UFL. pic.twitter.com/PVwEjpJuVN
— Christian Paolantonio (@PaolantonioPFN) September 17, 2024
McCrane is a spring football veteran. He played with the New York Guardians in the XFL’s 2020 season, making all eight of his field goal attempts which included a long of 53 yards.
After a couple years of being on and off of NFL practice squads, Matt made his way back to the XFL for their 2023 campaign. He was a big part of a Defenders team that made a Championship run, hitting on 12 of 16 field goal attempts that year.
GOOD FROM 58 YARDS 😱🎯
Matthew McCrane with a BOOT for @XFLDefenders pic.twitter.com/BoUoqeWD3f
— United Football League (@TheUFL) May 5, 2024
Matt returned to DC for their inaugural season in the UFL. He was 16-20 on field goals this year, making clutch kicks throughout the year – including a game winner in week three against Arlington on the road.
INSANITY.
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The DC Defenders have come from behind and pulled off the improbable comeback in a revenge win against the Arlington Renegades, 29-28!
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?#UFL
— Christian Paolantonio (@PaolantonioPFN) April 13, 2024
After another impressive year in spring football, Matt did garner quite a bit of NFL interest this offseason. He had workouts with the Lions and Commanders, but didn’t get a contract offer. Detroit has been active in bringing kickers onto their practice squad, though, likely for an emergency backup for Jake Bates in case something happens there – hence why they’re now bringing…