The Detroit Lions entered the day with 81 players on the active roster, and with nine draft picks, their roster appeared to be maxed out, meaning if they wanted to sign any more free agents — or undrafted free agents — they would have to start releasing players in order to make room.
Those decisions on who to release began today, as the Lions announced they have released linebacker Steve Longa, wide receiver Jonathan Duhart, and tight end Paul Butler from their contracts.
The Lions announced today that they have released TE Paul Butler, WR Jonathan Duhart and LB Steve Longa.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 15, 2020
Longa is the biggest name on this list as he has been a fixture on the Lions special teams for two of the last three seasons, after missing 2018 with an ACL injury that landed him in injured reserve.
Duhart originally signed with the Lions after last year’s draft but was released at cutdowns in early September. He signed onto the Lions practice squad but was released after only a few days and remained unsigned throughout the season. He was brought back on a Futures Deal last January but never saw the field before today’s release.
Butler also signed a Futures Deal with the Lions in January, after previously spending time with the Oakland Raiders.
The Lions current roster has 78 players and they currently hold nine draft picks with the NFL Draft just over a week away.