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Detroit Lions Do Not Tender Contract to OL Matt Nelson

Detroit Lions likely moving on from offensive lineman Matt Nelson.
John Maakaron|
Detroit Lions Do Not Tender Contract to OL Matt Nelson
Detroit Lions Do Not Tender Contract to OL Matt Nelson

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Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have reportedly made a decision on one of their restricted free agents. 

Matt Nelson, 27, played collegiately for the Iowa Hawkeyes for five seasons. Interestingly, Nelson played both defensive end and defensive tackle in the Big Ten. 

Nelson finished his collegiate career with 111 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, nine sacks, nine pass break-ups and one forced fumble. 

After going undrafted in 2019, Nelson was signed by the Lions as a free agent. The decision was ultimately made to switch his position, as Nelson moved to the other side of the football to play on the offensive line. 

He was waived during final roster cuts, but was re-signed to the practice squad (where he spent the majority of his first season in the NFL). 

Nelson made the team out of training camp the following season, making his NFL debut against the Chicago Bears. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes decided to tender the exclusive rights free agent back in March of 2021. 

After spending the last four years in Detroit, Nelson will now become a free agent.

In four years, Nelson appeared in 40 games, starting in 12 of them during his stint in Motown. 

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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