Another Competitor: Lions sign WR Lawrence Keys

Who is new Detroit Lion Lawrence Keys?

Information sourced from: CFB Reference, Pro Football Reference, NFL Transactions, Draft Scout, RAS, UFL

The Lions continue to add competition for the bottom end of their wide receiving room with the signing of Lawrence Keys. Let’s take a quick dive on Keys’ accomplishments in the world of football.

College

Keys’ spent 2019-2021 with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. None of his numbers were eye popping (18 receptions / 185 yards and no touchdowns, 10 kick returns, 3 punt returns). However, when he moved over to Tulane in 2022 and 2023, he grew as a player. He saw an uptick in receiving and returning (63 receptions / 895 yards / 9 touchdowns, 23 kick returns for 698 yards and an average of 26.8 yards).

NFL

This section will be a bit lacking. Keys’ signed as an undrafted free agent with the Buffalo Bills, but never recorded a stat in the NFL.

UFL

The UFL is where Keys found his footing. He played in 8 games in 2025, bringing in 17 receptions for 179 yards. In 2026 he got even better hauling in 24 receptions for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 8 punt returns in 2025 (13.6 yard average), 10 punt returns in 2026 (12.2 yard average), 20 kick returns in 2025 (21.2 average), and 19 kick returns in 2026 (27.3 average).

Something I didn’t say in my last article regarding UFL players, is that I think they almost have to have a “grit” mentality. The UFL is not private jets and big paychecks, it is a developmental league of sorts. Keys’ could have chosen to leave the game when he didn’t catch on anywhere as any undrafted free agent. However, he chose to keep playing.

Athletic Profile

Keys’ Athletic profile is highlighted by his speed, specifically short area speed, though he is no slouch in a long field either (4.54 40 yard). He has a pretty decent short shuttle from his Pro Day at 4.32. All in all he has ok to good agility and good to great speed.

Lions Fit

I see one fit and one fit only for Keys’ personally, if he were to stick he would be a lesser version of what the Lions were wanting out of Kendrick Law. I would venture a guess he will fight to make the team for kick and punt returns, and could be a similar type of rb/wr combination that many expected Law to fill. However, with the likes of Greg Dortch and Tom Kennedy to fight with for kick and punt returns, he will also need to be a special teams contributor to catch on.

Only time will tell what happens, the Lions are certainly setting up a competition in training camp, and bringing in some of the best talent in the UFL to do so.

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