The Detroit Lions discovered a promising talent in rookie safety Loren Strickland, who joined the team as an undrafted free agent from Ball State. His performance was impressive enough to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
However, Strickland struggled to break into the defensive lineup and played solely on special teams. As a result, his time in Detroit may be coming to an end.
On Wednesday, the Lions announced they had waived the rookie safety. USA Today’s Jeff Risdon pointed out that this move could open the door for new acquisitions.
Risdon explained that the recent signings of linebackers Jamal Adams and Ezekiel Turner, along with the need to strengthen the injury-depleted Detroit defense, made waiving Strickland necessary.
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 suggested that Strickland might still have a future with the Lions as a long-term project, with the possibility of 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 in punt and kick coverage units provide real value and long-term developmental potential for the Lions.”
New Addition Ready to Make a Difference
The Lions made a significant move to bolster their defense this week by signing former All-Pro Jamal Adams, aiming to provide reinforcement following several injuries, including one to linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez.
Adams expressed his excitement about joining a physically tough 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 highlighted the recent additions of other defensive players and hinted at the possibility of deploying some of them in the upcoming crucial matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday.
“Yeah, there again, we brought in he and Kwon Alexander, Myles Adams, and Jonah Williams,” Campbell said during an appearance on 97.1 The Ticket 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.”
At 11-1, 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 in a tight race for the NFC North title, with the Minnesota Vikings close behind at 10-2.
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