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Tay Martin Emerging as Lions Roster Sleeper at Training Camp
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- Tay Martin Emerging as Lions Roster Sleeper at Training Camp
The Detroit Lions ' wide receiver room is one of the most competitive position groups in training camp.
Detroit already has four roster locks at receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown , Jameson Williams , Isaac TeSlaa , and Greg Dortch . That likely means only one or two spots left up for grabs, as the Lions usually take around five or six receivers on the active roster heading into Week 1 under head coach Dan Campbell.
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Though most expect Dominic Lovett and Cedrick Wilson Jr. to be the next guys up in the position room, there is a new sleeper emerging at camp who could make his way into the roster picture.
Tay Martin Impressing at Camp, Drawing Praise From Campbell
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tay Martin (17) practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Entering camp, Martin was seen as merely a camp body. But the 28-year-old has consistently made plays over the last few weeks, and his performance in the Lions' preseason loss to the Bengals caught the eye of Campbell.
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"Martin showed up again, blocking, made a one-on-one catch separated, special teams. He forced a penalty and that was just one play on special teams. He made more than that," Campbell said via Tim Twentyman of Lions.com.
Martin had one catch for 14 yards against Cincinnati , but the veteran tallied the highest Pro Football Focus special teams grade for the Lions at 79.9, and also had a 78.3 run-blocking grade . Martin is willing to do the dirty work and contribute on special teams, and that always stand out to the coaching staff if a player is on the roster bubble.
Lovett's explosiveness and Wilson's experience could give both the edge over Martin for a roster spot, but we can't count out the Oklahoma State product. Martin has had stops with the San Francisco 49ers , Tennessee Titans , and Washington Commanders since entering the league in 2022, and also played in the UFL last spring with the Columbus Aviators.
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Overall, Martin has a path to a roster spot or at least staying around in Detroit on the practice squad. The coaching staff has clearly been impressed with his work this summer, and Martin needs to keep it up ahead of the cutdown deadline on Aug. 30.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
