The Detroit Lions are gearing up for another Super Bowl push this season. But for players no longer in Detroit, the outlook for 2025 isn’t nearly as bright.
The franchise has gone through major changes in its rise from bottom-dweller to contender. That’s left several ex-Lions hunting for new opportunities—whether that means a starting role or just staying in the league. But for one former Detroit defender, that next step might end before it really begins, as he’s already on the chopping block this July.
Life after Detroit has been anything but stable for Amani Oruwariye. Drafted in the fifth round by the Lions back in 2019, Oruwariye signed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason. Though Tennessee has battled injuries in the secondary and needs depth, Oruwariye reportedly looks like a potential cut, per The Tennessean’s Nick Suss.
“Probably the most unsettled unit,” Suss explained in a recent 53-man roster projection. “Several guys are hurt, and the secondary didn’t show well during minicamp. So there’s a mix of guys like Mike Brown, kept as veteran insurance for Kevin Winston Jr., and Jermari Harris, an undrafted rookie who flashes potential. If L’Jarius Sneed isn’t healthy, this may be a top-priority group for reinforcements.”
Suss placed Oruwariye in his “They’ve gotta earn it” group when previewing the summer roster, hinting the veteran may not survive July cuts.
Oruwariye is now on his fourth team in just three seasons, but his name keeps resurfacing. After spending four years with Detroit, he inked a one-year deal with the Giants in 2023 but was cut before Week 1. He later landed with the Jaguars but didn’t make the final roster in 2024, eventually joining the Cowboys.
Dallas activated Oruwariye late last year, but his biggest moment came when he muffed a blocked punt that led to a loss on Monday night against the Bengals. The 29-year-old spent much of this offseason unsigned until the Titans gave him a shot amid a wave of injuries.
Tennessee might give Oruwariye a fair look during camp, but he’s already seen as a long shot, with little excitement coming out of team workouts. His NFL dream isn’t over, but after failing to make Week 1 rosters the past two seasons, he’s at serious risk of going 0-for-3.
