In the first wave of roster cuts, the Detroit Lions released edge rushers Eric Lee and Mitchell Loewen.
Both were considered bubble players and were likely third on the depth chart at their respective positions — Lee behind Devon Kennard and Austin Bryant at Jack linebacker, and Loewen behind Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara at down defensive end — but when I was making my final 53-man roster projection one of the last decisions I made was deciding between the two.
I went with Lee because of his familiarity with the scheme, positionally flexibility — he can stand up at Jack and rush from the down defensive end position — and he was producing both in practice and in games.
Loewen made quite a few other Lions beat writers’ 53-man roster projections, and his ability to play at down defensive end and at the 3-technique likely helped his cause.
But at 4 p.m. ET today, both turned up on the NFL transaction wire, showing they had been released by the Lions.
Lee has two years of NFL game experience but would still be eligible for the practice squad if a team chooses to use one of their two vested veteran spots on him. If Bryant lands on injured reserve — as some have speculated — Lee could get a long look at the practice squad and possibly even find his way back on the active roster.
Loewen is also eligible for the practice squad, and if he passes through waivers, he would be a player the Lions would likely also consider for the practice squad.
Despite being released 24 hours ahead of the official roster deadline, Lions fans may not have seen the last of either player.
