Former Viking Re-Ups with Lions

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He started his career with the Minnesota Vikings, exited stage left last offseason, signed with the Detroit Lions, got dropped by Dan Campbell’s squad in August — and now he’s back in Detroit.

Former Viking Re-Ups with Lions

He’s linebacker Abraham Beauplan, whose NFC North adventure took twists and turns in 2024. For now, though, Beauplan will live on the Lions’ practice squad, one call-up away from a regular-season field.

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KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweeted Wednesday, “Abraham Beauplan signing with the Lions practice squad per a league source.”

Beauplan joins these off-ball linebackers in Detroit:

  • Alex Anzalone
  • Jack Campbell
  • Malcolm Rodriguez
  • Jaylen Reeves-Maybin
  • Ben Niemann
  • Trevor Nowaske
  • Abraham Beauplan (Practice Squad)
Choice for the NFC
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota onboarded Beauplan in April 2023, an undrafted free agent and a part of a notable class that included Ivan Pace Jr. and outside linebacker Andre Carter II. However, unlike Pace Jr. and Carter II, Beauplan saw no regular season action as a rookie and lived on the practice squad instead.

He did, however, rejoin the Vikings’ roster immediately after the 2023 season. Beauplan was one of Minnesota’s first offseason moves, re-signing him for what turned out to be six months.

viking
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey (12) takes a hit from Minnesota linebacker Abraham Beauplan (39) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.

Beauplan also earned placement on Bruce Feldman’s famous “Freaks List” leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. “The 6-2 235-pounder from Florida showed off his speed when he ran the 40 in the high 4.5s and made 133 tackles at Navarro JC in Texas,” Feldman wrote in 2023. “Beauplan had little trouble transitioning to FBS football, leading the Herd in tackles with 110 and 11 TFLs. This offseason, he vertical-jumped 37 inches, squatted 565 and benched 385. His strength and athleticism really translated onto the field.”

The new Lion recorded a total of 231 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 35 games at Marshall University — Randy Moss’ alma mater.

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Detroit employs two other former Vikings: Marcus Davenport (defensive end) and Shane Zylstra (tight end). It’s worth noting that Davenport, who suffered an elbow injury this week, was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

The Lions live in second place inside the NFC North through three weeks, trailing the Vikings, an undefeated team that has chipped off the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Houston Texans to start the season.

Detroit hosts the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 4 and is favored to prevail by 3.5 points.

The Vikings host the Lions in 24 days at U.S. Bank Stadium.


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.