Just over 24 hours ago, safety Brandon Joseph was preparing for the Detroit Lions’ matchup against the Chicago Bears this Sunday. However, following an early morning arrest, he will no longer be playing against the Bears—or for any other team.
On Saturday, the Lions announced several roster changes ahead of the game. Joseph, along with wide receiver Maurice Alexander, was waived and will not go through waivers. Additionally, defensive lineman David Bada was waived from the reserve/injured list with a settlement. To fill Joseph’s spot, the team activated fan favorite Ifeatu Melifonwu from the reserve/injured list.
Joseph was arrested around 2 a.m. on Saturday for speeding and was taken into custody on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence. Dearborn Heights Police Director Paul Vanderplow stated that while Joseph was speeding, his speed was not excessive.
“He was very compliant and respectful,” Vanderplow said. “He underwent a series of tests, and further analysis will be conducted before any charges are filed, as is standard procedure in OUI cases. He will go through the court process like anyone else.”
The Lions also elevated linebacker Mitchell Agude, wide receiver Tom Kennedy, and defensive lineman Chris Smith from the practice squad. Given that Melifonwu had been activated, Joseph was likely on the chopping block even without the arrest.
However, being arrested the day before a game is unlikely to help his chances of landing with another team anytime soon.
Joseph, an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame in 2023 and a former All-American at Northwestern in 2020, signed with the Lions and appeared in a handful of games during his rookie season. This year, he played in 14 games, bringing his two-season total to 16 games with 13 tackles.
