The Detroit Lions must reduce the roster down to the 53-man limit before the deadline at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27th. It’s a tough time with a quick turnaround from the final preseason game.
The Lions haven’t made any official transactions yet, but several moves are already reported as of Monday evening.
Most notable among those is the reported release of wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. He and fellow WR Kaden Davis were the first two cuts to leak out.
We will keep posting reported cuts as we find them. Keep in mind they are unofficial unless posted by the Lions themselves.
The #Lions are waiving TE Shane Zylstra, per source.
He's fully healthy after missing last season because of knee surgery and had six catches this preseason. One to watch on waivers.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2024
The #Lions are waiving RB Zonovan "Bam" Knight, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2024
No real surprise with either Zylstra or Knight, though Zylstra did have some legit potential to stick as a receiving TE.
#Lions released Pat O'Connor and plan to sign him to the practice squad, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2024
We have our first surprise with Mitchell Agude, who was the only backup to Derrick Barnes at the SAM position.
Lions are waiving defensive end Mitch Agude, who spent last season on their practice squad.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2024
This one comes directly sourced: The Lions are releasing LB Ty Summers.
Also confirmed by me via a team source: Hogan Hatten has won the long snapper battle and the Lions are releasing LS Scott Daly. Hatten keeps the streak of undrafted rookies making the initial 53-man roster rolling to 14 years.
Last year’s UDFA to make it, Steven Gilmore, did not make the cut in 2024.
#Lions are releasing cornerback Steven Gilmore, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 27, 2024
The biggest surprise thus far…
Source: The #Lions are releasing QB Nate Sudfeld, who has spent plenty of time as No. 2 QB. Now, it appears it’s Hendon Hooker who has won the job.
Sudfeld has impressed plenty in practice (without a ton of game reps) and will find his way into a practice squad, at the least.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024
Beauplan led the Lions in tackles in the preseason win over the Chiefs:
Abraham Beauplan was only around for 2 weeks, but he played well in his preseason time with the Lions. The Lions are planning to waive him at the roster deadline today and bring him back on PS if he clears waivers. https://t.co/uVHF8g1xBq
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 27, 2024
Numerous sources have also reported the Lions are cutting WR Daurice Fountain, who was the leading candidate for the No. 4 WR spot after the first week of training camp.
CFL star Mathieu Betts fell short of making the team.
Canadian DL Mathieu Betts released by Detroit Lionshttps://t.co/IxOBC2sjZs#Detroit #Lions #OnePride #NFL pic.twitter.com/yGTiptXpB3
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) August 27, 2024
And now, the official list from the Lions: