The Detroit Lions parted ways with 30 players between Friday and Saturday while trading Corey Robinson, placing Zach Zenner on injured reserve and placing Andy Jones on the physically unable to perform list. Here's a look at their moves:
Most significant move: The Lions signed DeShawn Shead in March with the thinking he could end up being their starting cornerback opposite Darius Slay. At cut-down day, though, the Lions released Shead despite guaranteeing him $1.5 million for the 2018 season. Shead began camp as a starter, but a combination of struggling on the field and a strained quad left him as more of a depth corner. Still, it was surprising considering Detroit’s options at outside corner other than Slay are likely starter Nevin Lawson and second-round pick Teez Tabor.
Lions go heavy on skill guys, including six receivers: The Lions waived Dwayne Washington, put Zach Zenner on injured reserve and ended up sticking with the 2015 second-round pick as a depth running back. But it meant they kept Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah’s preseason was a lot like his career thus far -- flashes of potential along with bouts of ineffectiveness and some fumbling issues. The difference now is that Abdullah is expected to be a backup now versus the starter after the Lions drafted Kerryon Johnson and signed LeGarrette Blount. Beyond the running backs, the Lions kept six receivers, including Bradley Marquez and Brandon Powell along with the expected foursome of Kenny Golladay, TJ Jones, Marvin Jones and Golden Tate. The Lions also kept four tight ends, including Hakeem Valles. Valles, Marquez and Powell pushed their way onto the roster with strong training camps.
Road to playoffs got much harder: This has nothing to do with the cuts the Lions made -- of which there were few true surprises -- but with what happened around the division. The Bears' trading for Khalil Mack made Chicago’s defense that much more formidable. Considering Detroit’s offensive line questions, the back-to-back weeks of facing Minnesota and Chicago on the road in November could be bad for Detroit.
Lions' moves: Released: DE Alex Barrett; WR Jace Billingsley; LB Freddie Bishop; WR Brian Brown; DT Josh Fatu; WR Dontez Ford; DB Mike Ford; LB Jonathan Freeny; DE Cam Johnson; OL Wesley Johnson; CB Chris Jones; WR Chris Lacy; DT Jeremiah Ledbetter; TE Marcus Lucas; CB Dexter McDougle; OT Jamar McGloster; TE Sean McGrath; LB Chad Meredith; S Rolan Milligan; OG John Montelus; CB Sterling Moore; WR Teo Redding; DT Christian Ringo; QB Jake Rudock; LB Darnell Sankey; P Ryan Santoso; CB DeShawn Shead; OL Dan Skipper; DE Jeremiah Valoaga; RB Dwayne Washington. Traded: OL Corey Robinson (to Panthers). Injured reserve: RB Zach Zenner; DB Marcus Cromartie. PUP: WR Andy Jones.