Getty David Blough plays against Tampa Bay.
The Detroit Lions have finally taken the steps towards crafting their roster for the 2020 season, and unfortunately, this means several players have to exit the roster.
After a busy few weeks of camp, the Lions have now managed to put together their list of cuts. As usual, there’s a mix of veteran players and rookie players and those in between.
Their final cuts are as follows:
Tom Kennedy, WR
Chris Lacy, WR
Kevin Strong, DT
Victor Bolden, WR
Dee Virgin, CB
Matt Sokol, TE
Jason Huntley, RB
Frank Herron, DT
Steven Wirtel, LS
David Blough, QB
Albert Huggins, DT
Anthony Pittman, LB
Isaac Nauta, TE
Arryn Siposs, P
Bobby Price, S
Jonathan Williams, RB
Olive Sagapolu, DL
Oday Aboushi, OL
Beau Benzchawel, OL
Wes Hills, RB
Kenny Wiggins, OL
Kevin Wilkins, DL
Jalen Elliott, S
Will Clarke, DE
Albert Huggins, DL
With these cuts, Detroit’s 2020 roster is now set for the time being. The team will put together their practice squad and scour the market for possible free agents of need ahead of next Sunday’s opening game against the Chicago Bears.
Lions 2020 Roster
The Lions spent much of the offseason trying to improve some deficiencies on their defense and offense. In free agency, the team signed names such as cornerback Desmond Trufant, linebacker Jamie Collins and linemen Danny Shelton and Nick Williams while trading for safety Duron Harmon. They also signed Halapoulivaati Vaitai for the offensive line and Chase Daniel to back up the quarterback spot, and made key depth signings such as safety Jayron Kearse and cornerbacks Tony McRae and Darryl Roberts. The Lions said goodbye to a few former mainstays in free agency like offensive lineman Graham Glasgow and punter Sam Martin while trading former franchise star Darius Slay.
When the draft came along, the Lions were also very active. Cornerback Jeff Okudah, running back D’Andre Swift, guard Jonah Jackson, edge rusher Julian Okwara, guard Logan Stenberg, wideout Quintez Cephus, running back Jason Huntley, defensive tackle John Penisini and defensive lineman Jashon Cornell were all added to the mix. As a whole, the draft class was solid in plenty of ways. Detroit addressed some of their biggest needs including a new cornerback as well as toughness on the offensive and defensive lines. They also added a potentially elite runner in Swift.
As a whole, there have been enough changes to think that the team has beefed up enough in key spots to contend. The roster is fairly balanced, and is looking much deeper on defense and offense in some very key places.
Lions 2020 Schedule
Detroit finished in last in 2019, meaning they once again had to play a last place schedule which many rate as easier. The Lions have been no stranger to playing a last place schedule lately. Just this season it happened for the team after they went 6-10 in 2018. Prior to that, the Lions had played a much better schedule given their higher finish from 2017, but were not able to capitalize. Detroit has found life just as difficult with an easier schedule, and will once again have that to deal with in 2020.
How are they expected to fare this year? Many see the Lions as a potential under the radar fit to win the NFC North this coming season or contend for a playoff spot. They will now put their roster to the test this coming season to see how they finish.
Davis will not be a part of this group for this season, but could always come back if the chance persists later in the year and there is a need.