The Detroit Lions discovered a promising player in rookie safety Loren Strickland, who joined the team as an undrafted free agent from Ball State and earned a spot on the 53-man roster with his strong performance. However, after struggling to break into the defensive lineup and playing solely on special teams, Strickland’s tenure in Detroit may be nearing its end. On Wednesday, the Lions announced they had waived the rookie safety.
USA Today’s Jeff Risdon pointed out that this move could open up room for new players. Risdon explained that the recent signings of linebackers Jamal Adams and Ezekiel Turner, along with the team’s need for more help on the injury-plagued defense, led to Strickland’s release.
Lions Could Have Other Plans for Rookie Safety
The 24-year-old Strickland played in six games for the Lions, contributing 71 snaps on special teams but none on defense.
Risdon speculated that Strickland might still have a future with the Lions as a long-term project, potentially returning to the practice squad this week.
“Should he clear waivers, expect Strickland back on Detroit’s practice squad,” Risdon wrote. “His physical presence as a safety and his role on punt and kick coverage units offer real value and long-term developmental potential for the Lions.”
New Addition Ready to Make a Difference
The Lions bolstered their defense this week by signing former All-Pro linebacker Jamal Adams, aiming to strengthen the squad following a series of injuries, including one to linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez.
Adams expressed his excitement about joining a physical defense, emphasizing his willingness to do whatever the team needs.
“I mean, they’ve been kicking everybody’s [expletive]” Adams said, via the Detroit Free Press. “So I’m fortunate enough to, again, just to be on a team that’s rolling like that. And whatever I can do to help, that’s what I’m here for.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell mentioned that the team has added other defensive players and could be ready to utilize some of them in the upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday.
“Yeah, there again, we brought in he and Kwon Alexander, Myles Adams and Jonah Williams,” Campbell said on 97.1 The Ticket during an appearance on Monday. “So we’ve got some guys that we’re gonna get a look at and see, with what we have on this roster, who we can use, how we can use them, what gives us the best chance.
There may be a place, there may be a place here for Jamal and today’s gonna tell a lot. This will be our full speed today, we’re gonna get really good movement. So we’ll have a whole better feel by this afternoon, five, six o’clock tonight.”
With an 11-1 record, the Lions lead the NFC and are tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the NFL. They are vying for the franchise’s first-ever No. 1 overall seed in the modern playoff format. The Lions are also facing a tight race in the NFC North, with the Minnesota Vikings just behind them at 10-2.
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