The end of the line for Da’Shawn Hand with the Detroit Lions comes in the most fitting fashion. The Lions are releasing the oft-injured defensive end with an injury settlement off the team’s injured reserve list.
Hand was placed on injured reserve for a second time this season by the Lions, which ended any chance he could come back and play for Detroit in 2021. But the release allows him to sign with another team. Hand is playing out the final year of his rookie contract but is now free to latch on anywhere he chooses.
A fourth-round pick out of Alabama in 2018, Hand flashed legit talent as a pass rusher. But injuries were a constant issue. He was placed on IR in all four years in Detroit with different injuries each time. Hand played in just 29 of a possible 59 games with the Lions.
The injury settlement frees up about $288,000 in salary cap room.
The #Lions are releasing DL Da’Shawn Hand off IR today with an injury settlement, source said. Should be healthy in a few weeks. Potential D-line help for a playoff-bound team.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 30, 2021