As expected, Detroit Lions will make further lineup changes to free up space for the limit before the start of the new league year. By Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, quarterback Chase Daniel and defensive Danny Shelton are being released. Combined, the moves are expected to release a total of $ 6.3 million in cap space for the 2021 season.
Lions were reportedly looking to change Daniel last week, but apparently they couldn’t find any applicants willing to take on his $ 4.3 million salary this year (and potentially $ 5 million in 2022). Daniel signed a three-year contract last season, but with Lions undergoing a new reconstruction – including a new starting defender – spending so much on a reserve defender seemed excessive.
Lions are now without a third quarterback on the list. While Lions can get along with young David Blough supporting Jared Goff, expect Lions to add a veteran to help guide the young defender’s room or find someone to compete in the April draft.
As for Shelton, his absence will leave Lions with no manpower in defense. Shelton is a talented veteran who will almost certainly fall to his feet with a team that values a great and fast stuffer in the middle of his defense. However, Lions are looking to increase their run on internal passes and stay a little faster throughout the defense. In addition, they have the choice of last year’s sixth round, John Penisini, who looked at the role when forced into the roster as a rookie nose tackle. Therefore, if the new technical committee feels the need to tackle the nose in some formations, Penisini is the most economical option.
Lions cannot cut players in the defensive tackle position. While Lions are likely to value a guy like Nick Williams more than the previous regime, his hugely successful $ 5.25 million can be released to save $ 4 million in limit space, if released. If Lions follow this path, expect them to be active in pursuing the depth of the defensive tackle.