Jarryd Hayne’s NFL move: Detroit Lions wait for visa issue to clear as futures contracts roll in

DETROIT Lions, the NFL team expected to sign Jarryd Hayne, have signed 12 players to futures contracts as they continue the wait for the former NRL star’s work visa.

HAYNE

DETROIT Lions, the NFL team expected to sign Jarryd Hayne, have turned their attention to 2015 after losing their wildcard playoff game to Dallas.

The Lions have signed 12 players to futures contracts but are yet to finalise a deal with Hayne.

The former NRL star was poised to ink a deal with Detroit in December but it was temporarily put on pause due to a work permit issue.

HAYNE CLOSES IN ON NFL CONTRACT

That issue still hasn’t been cleared up, but writing for the Detroit Free Press, Dave Birkett revealed it was just a matter of time before Hayne’s contract would be formalised.

“The Lions still have a few more futures deals in the works,” Birkett wrote.

“Practice-squad offensive tackle Mike Williams is expected to ink his contract with the team later today, and the Lions still intend to sign Hayne once his issue with a work visa is cleared up.

Jarryd Hayne pictured out and about while he was in the US embarking on his NFL mission. Pic: Rupert Thorpe

“Hayne visited the Lions twice last month and took a physical with the team before, but couldn’t sign at the time because of paperwork issues.

“The best player in Australia’s National Rugby League, Hayne is expected to play running back in the NFL.”

The NRL’s 2014 Dally M Medallist put his whirlwind NFL education on hold to return to Australia over the Christmas period when the work visa issue arose.

On his return, Hayne confirmed he was ready to sign with a team, believed to be the Lions, before red tape got in the way.

“I was meant to start with a team two weeks ago,” Hayne said upon his return to Australia 10 days ago.

“I had packed my bags and was ready to start the next day, but it wasn’t until I flew into the facility that the visa concerns came up.

There’s been plenty of interest in Jarryd Hayne since his shock decision to have a crack at the NFL.

“With the practice squad there is no salary and it’s just a week-to-week basis.

“The immigration said I can sign another contract after December 29, so I just felt like that was a sign to shut it down for a bit and get that rest.

“It’s a long way away from where I want to be, but I’m definitely taking the right steps in the right direction.

“But the interest has been very overwhelming.”

The 12 players signed to futures deals by Detroit were centre Taylor Boggs, centre Braxston Cave, receiver Skye Dawson, linebacker Jerrell Harris, defensive tackle Kerry Hyder, fullback Emil Igwenagu, defensive back Nate Ness, wide receiver Andrew Peacock, defensive tackle Roy Philon, defensive tackle Xavier Proctor, tight end Jordan Thompson and tackle Michael Williams.

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne’s NFL move: Detroit Lions wait for visa issue to clear as futures contracts roll in