The Detroit Lions are gearing up for another strong playoff run during the 2025 NFL season. This year, they’ll be tested more than ever, with a tougher schedule and two new coordinators. But head coach Dan Campbell and his team have never been ones to back down from a challenge.
Thanks to years of strong drafting by GM Brad Holmes, Detroit boasts one of the NFL’s deepest rosters. As a result, the front office has tough choices to make each summer as they determine the top 53 players for the season.
Training camp kicks off next month, and it will play a key role in deciding roster spots. Unfortunately, not every player will even get the opportunity to compete once camp begins.
So, which players are at risk of being released before training camp starts?
Below, we break down three Lions players who could be cut following the 2025 minicamp.
To start, Detroit made a bold move by trading up to draft Isaac TeSlaa in the third round. They also picked up Dominic Lovett in the later stages of the draft.
That leaves the team facing some challenging decisions at wide receiver during camp.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, and Isaac TeSlaa are virtual locks to make the team. Kalif Raymond likely sticks too, given his value on special teams.
That already fills five wide receiver slots, meaning there’s limited space for the rest.
Detroit brought in Bell, formerly with the 49ers, by signing him to their practice squad in January.
Bell has been active all offseason, putting in work with the team. Still, that may not be enough to cement a roster spot.
He’ll have to compete with Lovett, Tom Kennedy, Malik Taylor, Jackson Meeks, and Jakobie Keeney-James. Kennedy has a strong preseason reputation, and early buzz says Meeks might impress in camp.
Ronnie Bell faces a serious uphill battle to remain on the team.
Linebacker might be the easiest position group to forecast a cut.
The reason is simple. The Lions have 10 linebackers on the current roster, which is a large number by today’s standards. The unit has performed well the past few years, and expectations remain high in 2025.
Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes are the projected starters. Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske are among those fighting for backup spots.
Gilbert currently ranks at the bottom of the linebacker depth chart. His odds of making the roster are slim.
He’s competing against players with more experience and versatility. Grant Stuard, Ezekiel Turner, Zach Cunningham, and Anthony Pittman all offer more. Pittman also has major value on special teams.
The Lions will need depth in camp while Rodriguez rehabs from his ACL tear.
That might keep Gilbert around early on, but he’s almost certain to be let go later in the summer.
It may finally be time for Detroit to move on from Brodric Martin. That could happen as soon as this offseason.
Martin was a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s one of the few mid-round selections by Holmes that hasn’t panned out.
The Lions were criticized for giving up three Day 3 picks to move up for Martin. Though he had physical upside, his lack of quickness and ability to disengage were red flags.
He’s played just five games in two seasons, posting four total tackles—only one of them solo.
Martin’s lack of production puts him at risk of being released.
Making matters worse, Detroit’s defensive tackle depth is now stronger than ever.
With Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader entrenched as starters, the Lions added Roy Lopez and drafted Tyleik Williams in Round 1.
Add in second-year player Mekhi Wingo, and Martin sits behind at least six others.
Martin might make it through camp or land on the practice squad, but his future in Detroit looks bleak.
It’s safe to say that the Brodric Martin experiment hasn’t worked out.
