The road to 53: Detroit Lions' 2025 roster cutdown tracker
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Allen Park — The Detroit Lions have begun trimming their roster to the required 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline.
Cuts
Last updated: Tuesday, 4:15p.m.
● Edge Ahmed Hassanein
The sixth-round pick suffered a pec injury in the team’s third preseason game and was released with an injury settlement, opening the door for him to return to the Lions later in the season.
● WR Ronnie Bell
The former Michigan standout signed a futures deal with the Lions in late January. After a slow start to camp, the 2023 seventh-round pick settled into a groove, contributing five catches for 62 yards across the final three preseason games.
● WR Malik Taylor
Signed after a tryout at rookie minicamp in May, the Flint-area native and Ferris State alum battled an injury during camp, costing him valuable reps. He missed the Miami game and was held without a reception on one target in the other three exhibition contests. His 24 snaps were the fewest among receivers who regularly suited up for the team during the preseason.
● TE Zach Horton
An undrafted rookie out of Indiana, Horton got an extended look with starter Sam LaPorta missing some time and veteran Kenny Yeboah suffering a season-ending knee injury. Between offense and special teams, Horton saw 138 snaps in the preseason, with his in-line and backfield blocking being his top function on offense. He's a strong candidate for a spot on the practice squad.
● TE Steven Stilianos
An early-August injury replacement, Stiliianos struggled to see the field during the preseason, taking just 21 offensive snaps without a target in the pass game.
● OL Michael Niese
Niese has been with the Lions since signing with the team's practice squad days before the start of the 2023 season. He made the roster as a backup center in 2024 and was active for all 17 games. However, he fell behind Kingsley Eguakun and veteran Trystan Colon on the depth chart as camp progressed this offseason.
Niese didn't start a preseason game, but saw more than 100 snaps in the four contests, most of which came at center.
● OL Gunner Britton
A mid-camp addition, Britton played 51 snaps in the final two preseason games, all at right tackle. The Auburn product went undrafted in 2024, spent time on Buffalo's offseason roster as a rookie and was more recently with the UFL's DC Defenders.
● OL Trystan Colon
A June signing after Frank Ragnow announced his retirement, the veteran Colon was pushing for the backup center job when he suffered an elbow injury in Detroit's second preseason game. All 42 of his preseason snaps came at center, including half in a start against Atlanta. The former Raven and Cardinal has started 15 games in his career, seeing playing time at all three interior spots.
● Edge Isaac Ukwu
In his second season with the Lions after going undrafted out of Mississippi, Ukwu improved, but not enough to command a roster spot. Seeing 116 snaps, he tallied five QB pressures, including a sack. He also had a second sack wiped out by a penalty away from the ball.
On the downside, he offered minimal contributions on special teams, with most of his reps coming on the field-goal block unit.
● Edge Mitchell Agude
In a three-way competition with two other young rushers, Agude decidedly finished third in the race. With the Lions since Sept. 2023, Agude appeared in four games last season, recording three tackles and a forced fumble. He mustered five stops on 76 snaps this preseason, but zero quarterback pressures.
● CB Allan George
Signed mid-August, George netted 66 snaps of work in two preseason games, recording three tackles and a pass breakup. Before Detroit, George went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2022, spending two years with the Bengals, where he saw limited action in four games.
● S Loren Strickland
Strickland surprised everyone, going from a versatile rotational player at Ball State to making Detroit's initial 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie. He didn't stick all year, but still managed to appear in seven games, logging 78 snaps on special teams.
Strickland started the Hall of Fame Game and had 106 defensive snaps throughout the preseason, finishing second on the team with 16 tackles.
● DT Keith Cooper Jr.
A camp darling after earning a job as a rookie tryout, Cooper showed inside/out versatility with run-stopping and pass-rushing ability, despite his lean-for-the-position, 280-pound frame. His 140 snaps were the third-most among Detroit defenders in the preseason. However, he struggled to have the same impact he did on the practice field, tallying just five tackles and one QB pressure, a hit on the passer in the finale against Houston.
● G Netane Muti
The veteran guard initially signed with the Lions last offseason, but suffered a season-ending pec injury during training camp. Sticking around Detroit to rehab, he re-upped on a futures deal in January. Muti, 26, played 120 snaps in the preseason, starting three of four games at left guard. Consistently working with the second-team offensive line all camp, he wasn't able to beat out Kayode Awosika for the roster's one backup guard job.
● CB D.J. Miller
One of several mid-camp signings from the UFL, Miller popped over from the Michigan Panthers. He drew 63 preseason snaps in two games, recording 10 tackles and two pass breakups. Potentially more memorable than anything from the preseason contests was a pass breakup in practice, when he knocked the ball away from All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown in the red zone while the second-team defense was battling against Detroit's starting offense.
● CB Tyson Russell
Signed just before the start of training camp, Russell's 124 defensive snaps led his position group during the preseason. The undrafted rookie out of Vanderbilt finished with 10 tackles and two pass defenses, including an interception in the finale against Houston, corralling a ball that was bobbled by former Lions receiver Quintez Cephus.
● S Morice Norris
Reported by Aaron Wilson
Signed as an undrafted rookie ahead of the 2024 season, Norris was making a positive impression during his debut training camp before an injury led to his release. The Lions added him back to the practice squad in September, and he wound up appearing in two games, plus he logged significant defensive snaps in the playoffs when injuries decimated the depth chart.
Norris was in the mix for a back-of-the-roster job this offseason. However, he suffered a brutal concussion in the team's second preseason contest, requiring him to be taken off the field by ambulance and leading to the game's stoppage.
He's remained in concussion protocol since that hit on Aug. 8, but he's shown recent signs of progress, running under the supervision of the training staff on the side during practices.
● OL Mason Miller
First reported by Sports Illustrated and confirmed
An undrafted rookie signing out of North Dakota State, Miller saw extensive work in the preseason, averaging 30 snaps in the four matchups. He played the first two at right tackle and the final two at right guard. Protection was an issue, particularly at tackle. He allowed five pressures and two sacks in 71 pass-blocking situations, with one of the sacks resulting in his quarterback losing a fumble.
● LB DaRon Gilbert
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
A Detroit native, former Brother Rice standout and Northern Illinois alum, Gilbert initially signed with the Lions as a UDFA in 2024. He suffered an injury during camp, leading to his release, but was brought back in late December. He saw 62 of his 65 defensive reps this preseason in the final two games, tallying six stops, including one for a loss.
● OL Zack Johnson
A veteran of eight NFL rosters across six seasons, the Lions leaned on that ability to quickly adapt, adding Johnson on Aug. 14. He appeared in the final two preseason games, including one two days after he signed, seeing 51 snaps, all at left guard. Despite the challenging circumstances, he managed to grade out well, particularly as a run blocker, according to Pro Football Focus.
● DT Brodric Martin
A third-round pick in 2023, Martin has failed to live up to the intriguing potential. Announced as a developmental talent upon his arrival, he barely saw the field as a rookie. He was making positive progress during his second offseason before it was derailed by a knee injury. Once he returned, he proved unable to capitalize on his opportunities and struggled to see the field down the stretch.
Buried on the depth chart by new additions this offseason, he wasn't able to overcome the long odds. A return to the practice squad isn't out of the question if he clears waivers. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see another team take a shot on his uniquely large frame, highlighted by his 36-inch arms.
● CB Luq Barcoo
Reported by AtoZ Sports
A journeyman veteran who popped onto the roster in early August, Barcoo only saw playing time against the Dolphins in the preseason. Still, it was a solid showing, with two pass breakups in 20 snaps.
● Edge Nate Lynn
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
Lynn initially signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He had a sack in the preseason opener, but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the contest.
Picking up where he left off this offseason, Lynn led the Lions with 10 QB pressures and a sack this preseason. Regardless, it wasn't enough to win a job. The former William & Mary standout is a clear fit for the practice squad, assuming he clears waivers.
● DT Myles Adams
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
Poached off Seattle's practice squad last November, Adams re-signed with the Lions in March. The 6-foot-2, 299-pounder had a strong finish to training camp, while pacing the Lions with a team-high 151 defensive snaps during the preseason. In those four contests, he recorded five tackles and four quarterback pressures.
● RB Deon Jackson
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
Jackson, who previously spent time with the Colts, Browns and Giants, joined the Lions in mid-August and struggled to eat into Saylors' playing time and workload, logging a meager six carries for 23 yards.
● WR Jakobie Keeney-James
Reported by the Detroit News
The athletic, 6-foot-1, 195-pounder signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of UMass in May. His big-play ability from college didn't immediately translate to the next level. Playing more than 60 preseason snaps, he failed to register a reception while drawing just two targets. Keeney-James also muffed a punt in the Hall of Fame game.
● TE Gunnar Oakes
Reported by the Detroit News
Another mid-camp addition, the former Eastern Michigan and Michigan Panthers player only drew two offensive and two special teams snaps during the preseason.
● DB Erick Hallett
Reported by Aaron Wilson
Believed to be in the mix for the final safety job, the Lions shifted Hallett to cornerback at the start of training camp. After spending most of last season on Detroit's practice squad, he impressed with his versatility this offseason, lining up all over the field during the preseason and making a number of plays. He recorded 16 tackles and three pass breakups.
● RB Jacob Saylors
Reported by Aaron Wilson
The UFL's leading rusher in the spring, Saylors joined the Lions mid-camp and shouldered the biggest backfield workload, pacing the roster with 33 carries for 112 yards, while chipping in seven catches (on nine targets) for another 52 yards.
"I’ve said this before, I kind of like Saylors, and I mean that in a good way," Lions coach Dan Campbell said after the preseason finale. "There’s something about him. ...He’s pretty crafty, pretty nifty. He’s got detail to what he does – the runs, the landmarks, the check downs. There’s something there and we like him."
● CB Nick Whiteside
Reported by the Detroit News
Whiteside joined the Lions in late July and immediately flashed his ball skills, intercepting a pass in his first practice with the team. That turned into a ballhawking stretch where he was routinely getting his hands on the ball, including another interception in one of the joint sessions with the Dolphins. But after putting himself in the mix for a roster spot, Whiteside faded down the stretch, including a rough showing in the preseason finale, where he allowed seven catches for 94 yards on eight targets while in coverage.
● WR Jackson Meeks
Reported by the Detroit News
Despite a pair of outstanding preseason performances, as well as a number of strong plays on the practice field, the Lions are parting ways — at least temporarily — with the undrafted rookie out of Syracuse.
Meeks was admittedly a no-show in the preseason finale, but in the previous two games, he hauled in 10 passes for 171 yards and two scores.
Obviously, if the 6-foot-2, 218-pounder clears waivers, he’d be a strong addition to Detroit's practice squad due to his contested-catch ability, run blocking and special teams potential.
● OT Dan Skipper
In the first stunner of cut season, the Lions have informed Skipper he’s being released. The veteran offensive tackle has spent the majority of his career with the Lions, starting 11 games the past three seasons. He opened training camp serving as the left tackle with the first-team offense while Taylor Decker recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.
Skipper missed some time in camp with an ankle injury, but he still started three of the team’s preseason games, one at left tackle, two at right tackle.
In addition to his work at offensive tackle, Skipper has acted as a blocking tight end in jumbo packages, even catching a touchdown pass during the 2024 season.
● Edge Mitchell Agude
Reported by ESPN
In a three-way competition with two other young rushers, Agude decidedly finished third in the race. With the Lions since Sept. 2023, Agude appeared in four games last season, recording three tackles and a forced fumble. He mustered five stops on 76 snaps this preseason, but zero quarterback pressures.
● S Ian Kennelly
Reported by Aaron Wilson
Grand Valley State's Player of the Year in 2024, the ultra-athletic Kennelly put himself on the Lions' radar with an impressive showing at the team's local pro day. It was predictably an up-and-down camp, given the jump in competition. Still, Kennelly demonstrated continual growth, even getting some first-team reps when injuries affected the top of the depth chart.
The Lions got a long look during the preseason, playing him a ton on defense and special teams. He finished with 12 tackles on defense and added another two covering kicks. He's a lock for Detroit's practice squad if he clears waivers.
● QB Hendon Hooker
Reported by Jordan Schultz
A third-round pick in the 2023 draft, Hooker was activated from the injured list in the back half of his rookie year, but didn't dress for a game. He won the backup job entering his second season. However, he was replaced in the role by veteran Teddy Bridgewater for Detroit's postseason game against Washington.
Hooker was expected to hold on to the backup job this season, but was outplayed by veteran signing Kyle Allen. Hooker had a disastrous showing in the preseason, completing 55.0% of his passes with zero touchdowns, three interceptions and two lost fumbles.
Lions coach Dan Campbell telegraphed this move after the preseason finale.
“Look, it’s always going to be how much development do you believe there is,” Campbell said. “Look, we are talking about Hooker right now. How much development do you believe there still is? Sometimes does the player need a change of scenery? What about our own depth in other areas? I mentioned this the other day, relative to that, all right, maybe there is room to grow. Is that worth it for the depth we need at O-Line, D-Line, receiver, DB? And so those are all things you have to weigh.”
● WR Tom Kennedy
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
The longtime Lion could be headed for another stint on the team's practice squad. The former lacrosse player has been with the franchise since 2019, appearing in 24 games during that stretch, including four last season. He chipped in four receptions for 27 yards during the preseason this year.
● LB Anthony Pittman
Reported by the Detroit Free Press
A longtime Lion, the Birmingham Groves and Wayne State product originally signed with the team in 2019 as an undrafted rookie. From 2021-23, he was one of Detroit’s top special teams performers, logging more than 1,000 snaps with those groups.
Pittman departed as a free agent last year, signing with Washington, but eventually ended back in Detroit to end the year. This offseason, he remained caged to third-team defensive reps behind primary backups Grant Stuard, Trevor Nowaske and Zach Cunningham. In 120 defensive snaps this preseason, Pittman logged 14 tackles, while adding another three on special teams. He also missed a team-high five tackles.
Current Roster (50 players)
Quarterbacks (2)
Jared Goff, Kyle Allen
Running back (4)
Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montomery, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
Wide receivers (6)
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Isaac TeSlaa, Dominic Lovett
Tight ends (3)
Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra
Injured Reserve: Kenny Yeboah
Offensive line (9)
Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, Graham Glasgow, Giovani Manu, Kayode Awosika, Kingsley Eguakun, Jamarco Jones
Injured Reserve: Justin Herron, Colby Sorsdal
PUP: Miles Frazier
Edge defenders (3)
Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad
NFI: Josh Paschal
Defensive tackles (6)
DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Pat O’Connor, Roy Lopez, Chris Smith, Mekhi Wingo
PUP Reserve: Levi Onwuzurike
PUP: Alim McNeill
Linebackers (8)
Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, Grant Stuard, Trevor Nowaske, Zach Cunningham
PUP: Malcolm Rodriguez
Injured Reserve: Ezekiel Turner
Defensive backs (8)
Terrion Arnold, DJ Reed, Amik Robertson, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Rock Ya-Sin, Avonte Maddox, Khalil Dorsey
Injured Reserve: Ennis Rakestraw, Dan Jackson
Specialists (3)
Jack Fox, Jake Bates, Hogan Hatten
Dan Skipper being released? Say it isn’t so! 😢
Congratulations to AP! He made it to the big leagues from Wayne State! That something to be very proud of! Wherever you land next I wish you nothing but success!