4 Lions Who Likely Will Not Return in 2023
As the future grows bright for the Detroit Lions, general manager Brad Holmes is entering a pivotal offseason.
His team has exceeded expectations in 2022, flipping a 1-6 start into its current 7-8 record. The Lions have played their way nearly into playoff contention, as they sit one game out of the NFC’s seventh seed with two games left on the schedule.
With the unit improving, several decisions will have to be made regarding young players in contract seasons. Though these players have been contributors during their relatively short time in Lions uniforms, they may not be in Holmes’ future plans for the organization.
In addition, there are several players who have seen declining roles in 2022. These players could be cap casualties, as the amount of money saved by the organization in releasing them could be beneficial.
Here are four players who likely won’t return to the team in 2023.
CB Will Harris
Harris has been a versatile part of the defense since being drafted in 2018. He’s seen time at both safety and corner, playing all over the secondary. However, he hasn’t been effective enough to warrant a hefty second contract.
The Boston College product was effective in 2021 at a time of need, as several Lions defensive backs missed time with injury. Recently, he’s served as Detroit’s starting slot cornerback.
Despite playing a large role for the defense, he’s been inefficient. He’s earned a 59.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which is a career-high mark. Given the metrics, Holmes and company would be remiss if they didn’t seek an upgrade at the position.
DE Austin Bryant
Bryant has been up and down during his brief tenure as a member of the Lions. He’s never played a full season, as he’s dealt with injuries and spent time on the practice squad early in his career.
Bryant has shown potential, recording 4.5 sacks in 14 games during the 2021 campaign. In three other seasons, though, he’s failed to record a sack.
He’s seen his role diminish in 2022, as he’s played in just nine games and just three since Week 8. The emergence of James Houston and the return of Romeo Okwara have made Bryant a healthy scratch in each of Detroit’s last three games.
Detroit Free Press
CB Amani Oruwariye
After a standout 2021 showing in which he led the Lions with six interceptions, Oruwariye has taken a massive step back in production. The downfall began in Week 3, when he was penalized six times in coverage.
Following that game, he was a healthy scratch for Detroit’s Week 4 game against Seattle. He’s been in and out of the lineup since, playing in 12 total games this season. With Jeff Okudah and Jerry Jacobs claiming the starting roles on the outside, Oruwariye has mostly played in spot duty.
The 2021 season shows that there’s plenty of skill that comes with the former Penn State Nittany Lion. He’s still young -- at just 26 years old -- and could find his footing by getting a fresh start heading into 2023.
With the Lions leaning on the young duo of Okudah and Jacobs, Oruwariye will likely be the odd man out of the rotation.
DE Michael Brockers
Brockers has been a steady presence in the Lions' locker room, as the team’s oldest player. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell has praised his leadership, especially given the wisdom provided by the 10th-year pro to multiple rookies at his position (Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston).
On the field, it’s been a different story. Brockers last played in Week 11, during which he logged 12 snaps. He’s been a healthy scratch in every other game since Week 5, with the Lions having elected to make the change following their Week 6 bye.
The biggest factor with Brockers is his contract. He signed a new three-year deal, worth $24 million, upon being traded to Detroit. However, he’s been paid all of his guaranteed money, and the Lions can save $10 million while avoiding his $14 million cap hit by choosing to release him.
With Hutchinson and Houston each showing their mettle, as well as both Romeo and Julian Okwara making an impact, the Lions are far from thin at the defensive end positions.
Given the financial impact, paired with Brockers' small on-field production in recent weeks, Detroit will likely move on from the veteran heading into 2023.
