Jarryd Hayne Close To Deal With Detroit Lions

Two quick visits with the Detroit Lions has fuelled speculation former NRL star Jarryd Hayne is on the verge of signing a first deal with an NFL team.  

Hayne visited the Lions last Thursday and Friday where he underwent a physical, and the team has expressed interest in signing the free agent Aussie according to a report from the Detroit Free Press.

“We take a look at a lot of different people all the time,” a coy Lions coach Jim Caldwell said at a Monday press conference.

“It’s a constant sort of exploration for us, where we’re always trying to look to find ways to improve and we’re looking at every option that’s out there, available to us.”

Hayne reportedly held a private workout for a number of NFL teams in San Diego before visiting the Lions on December 11 and 12, where the Sydney native was said to have been “impressed with the Lions staff and players”, according to US agent Jack Bechta.

The 26-year-old Hayne last week visited both the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Lions have dabbled in rugby and foreign signings in recent seasons, briefly signing American rugby player Carlin Isles to their practice squad after trying out Norwegian Havard Rugland at the kicker position.

Hayne’s Australian agent Warren Beavis remains tight-lipped on the situation, saying “(a deal) could be tomorrow or it could be next month.” 

Photo: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images.