When it comes to NFL 53-man rosters, there’s always quite a bit of change over from one year to the next, and that is no different for the Detroit Lions. Each year, players come and go, and sometimes there are some surprises along the way. GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are still in the process of building a contender, and that will mean letting some players walk, who were starters at the beginning of the season.
3 Detroit Lions who won’t be back in 2023
Here are three current Lions who likely will not be back in 2023, along with one who is to be determined.
Charles Harris
After leading the Detroit Lions in sacks in 2021 (7.5 total), Harris was rewarded with a two-year, $13 million deal. With Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal in the mix, and Harris struggling to produce in 2022 (not to mention the injuries), the Lions could look to free up some salary cap space by letting him walk prior to the 2023 season. (Chances he is gone: 55%)
Amani Oruwariye
Heading into the 2022 season, I projected that Oruwariye would emerge and have a Pro Bowl-type campaign. Honestly, that was not exactly a bold prediction as Amani was very solid in 2021. Unfortunately, it has been a rough season for the former Penn State cornerback, and he does not appear to be part of the future for the Detroit Lions. (Chances he is gone: 80%)
Alex Anzalone
When it was announced that Anzalone was returning to the Detroit Lions in 2022, I was a bit bummed out. Alex is a good dude, but he should not be a starting linebacker in the NFL. With Malcolm Rodriguez emerging as a solid player, and the Lions likely adding another linebacker to the mix this coming offseason, Anzalone will be on the outside looking in. (Chances he is gone: 85%)
DJ Chark (to be determined)
When the Lions signed Chark to a 1-year, $10 million prove-it deal before the season, the hope was that he would come in and give quarterback Jared Goff a vertical threat. Unfortunately, Chark has either been hurt or virtually non-existent. That being said, if he is able to come back and have a solid second half to his season, I could see the Lions giving him another similar deal. That being said, if I had to guess right now, I would say he is a goner. (Chances he is gone: 75%)
Nation, which of these players do you think will be gone from the Lions in 2023? Would you add anyone to the list?
