A Crushing Blow: Lions Miss Out on Another Top Rookie, Chooses to Join Different NFL Team Over Detroit Due to….
April has finally reached its end as the Detroit Lions continue to navigate the post-2025 NFL draft fallout. After selecting seven promising rookies during their time at Lambeau Field last week, the Lions have spent the aftermath signing talented undrafted free agents, including Boston College running back Kyle Robichaux and Georgia wideout Jackson Meeks.
Between the talent on the roster and one of the best coaching staffs in the league, the Lions should be an attractive destination for any player, rookies and veterans alike. Unfortunately, head coach Dan Campbell’s kvorka wasn’t undeniable enough to lure a certain international free agent to the Motor City.
International DL Laki Tasi Rejects Lions in Favor of Raiders After NFL Draft
Various paths to the NFL exist for aspiring players, including the league’s International Pathway Program. The NFL IPP has been a terrific tool to help global talent realize their football dreams, leading to players like Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata becoming North American mainstays.
The Lions attempted to get in on the IPP action over the weekend when they invited former rugby star Laki Tasi to their upcoming rookie minicamp. Unfortunately, the Samoan standout has since rejected Detroit’s offer, opting to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders to end April.
Tasi’s rejection might sting more than usual for the Lions as it marks the second time a rookie has passed them over this week. Former BYU cornerback Jakob Robinson reportedly turned down an offer to sign with Detroit following the draft, choosing to begin his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers instead.
After rejecting the Lions, all eyes will be on Tasi to see if he can succeed in Sin City. The Brisbane-born defender certainly has an NFL frame, standing at 6-foot-6 while weighing 347 lbs with an 81.5-inch wingspan. He’s recently spent time improving his football skills after a respectable time with Ashgrove GPS of the Queensland Premier Rugby Union.
Making an NFL roster is never easy, and it only becomes harder for international prospects with limited experience compared to those who went the college football route. Joining the Raiders — who have a much weaker defensive roster than the Lions — was likely the right call for Tasi.
While rejection hurts, there’s a good chance Tasi’s decision may have cost him a potential title opportunity. The Lions are entering May with the fifth-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+1000) on FanDuel Sportsbook, whereas the Raiders rank 26th (+10000) on the
