MONDAY, 4:25pm: Hayne’s announcement scheduled for tonight may not be about a contract after all, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, who says the rugby star hasn’t yet agreed to or signed a deal (Twitter links). Per Birkett, Hayne’s media session in Australia will be to discuss the process so far.
SATURDAY, 7:12pm: The Lions have agreed to a deal with rugby star Jarryd Hayne, according to Matt Logue of the Daily Telegraph. The 27-year-old Aussie will announce the futures deal at a press conference in Sydney next week.
Hayne also drew interest from the 49ers and the Seahawks, but as Logue writes, Hayne chose to sign with Detroit due to its “proven record in player development.” Indeed, the Lions signed another rugby star — Carlin Isles — to a futures deal last season, so perhaps that fact gave Hayne a level of comfort in heading to the Motor City.
Hayne will play running back in the NFL, and he’ll look to latch onto a Lions roster that is already full at the RB position, employing Reggie Bush, Joique Bell, Theo Riddick, and George Winn. Additionally, one AFC executive told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link) that Hayne might not be fast enough to play running back in the NFL. Nevertheless, Birkett believes that Hayne will be able to contribute on special teams if he makes the 53-man roster (link).