After going unselected in the 2016 NFL draft, Lanier signed with the Washington Redskins on May 6, 2016.[1] Standing out in training camp and the preseason, the team announced he made the 53-man roster on September 3, 2016.[2] In his NFL debut in Week 8, Lanier recovered a fumble forced by Chris Baker on Bengals' quarterback Andy Dalton. He was placed on injured reserve on December 13, 2016.[3]
Lanier was inactive for the first six games of 2017. In Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints, he recorded first career sack on Drew Brees.[4] He would have a breakout performance in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals recording two sacks, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble.[5] On September 3, 2018, the Redskins waived/injured Lanier.[6] He went unclaimed in the waiver stage, and reverted to the team's injured reserve list before being waived with an injury settlement on September 8.[7]
Los Angeles Chargers
On November 7, 2018, Lanier was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad.[8] He was promoted to the active roster on December 20, 2018.[9]
On August 31, 2019, Lanier was waived by the Chargers and signed to the practice squad the next day.[10][11] His practice squad contract with the team expired on January 6, 2020.[12]
Kansas City Chiefs
On January 8, 2020, Lanier signed a reserve/future contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.[13] He was waived on April 28, 2020.[14]
Lanier was signed by the New Orleans Saints on August 29, 2020.[16] He was placed on injured reserve on September 5, 2020,[17] and waived with an injury settlement on September 11.[18]
