NFL Suspends Ex-Lions Safety Tracy Walker 12 Games for 2025 Season

Tracy Walker III, a former Detroit Lions safety and current free agent, has been suspended by the NFL for the first 12 games of the 2025 season, with no reason provided by the league. Walker, who was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, played six seasons with Detroit before being released in 2024 and briefly joining the San Francisco 49ers practice squad without appearing in regular-season games. Despite the suspension, he remains eligible to sign with any team and participate in preseason activities, but cannot play in the regular season until Week 13. Walker's career highlights include a three-year, $25 million contract extension in 2022 and notable performances before an Achilles injury in 2022 limited his play. The suspension significantly diminishes Walker’s chances of signing with a new team, especially given the rise of younger safeties like Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on the Lions. Walker's career earnings total approximately $22.5 million, and he is a second cousin of current Steelers player Darius Slay.