As we know, there is usually quite a bit of turnover from year to year when it comes NFL rosters. That has been no different for the Detroit Lions in recent history and it will be no different in 2019.
Here is a list of 6 players, who currently make over $1 million, that I do not believe will be on the Lions 53-man roster in 2019.
DE – Ezekiel Ansah
http://gty.im/900894610
This one is an absolute no-brainer. Unfortunately, Ezekiel Ansah has been the biggest disappointment for the Lions in recent memory. After recording 14.5 sacks in 16 starts during the 2015 season, Ansah was selected to play in the Pro Bowl. The hope was the Lions had found a gem and that Ziggy would wreak havoc on the NFC North for years to come. Thanks to injuries, including a shoulder injury he is currently dealing with, Ansah has not earned another contract in Detroit.
TE – Luke Willson
http://gty.im/1038912976
The Lions signed Luke Willson prior to the 2018 season to replace Eric Ebron. Willson has never caught a lot of passes since coming to the NFL in 2013 and that has continued with the Lions as he has just nine catches for 58 yards so far this season. Though Willson is rather cheap, I would bet the Lions will either use a draft pick or look to free agency to find a better tight end.
RB – LeGarrette Blount
http://gty.im/1054697402
LeGarrette Blount was also signed by the Lions before the 2018 season with the hopes that he would improve the Lions short distance and goal line game. So far this season, Blount, who is 31, has just 170 rushing yards on 60 attempts (2.8 yards per carry). With Kerryon Johnson clearly separating himself as the best of the Lions running backs (it’s not close), Blount could find himself playing elsewhere in 2019.
QB – Matt Cassel
http://gty.im/1058371678
In the preseason, Matt Cassel beat out Jake Rudock for the Lions backup quarterback gig. But let’s face it, if Matthew Stafford were to go down with an injury for an extended amount of time, the Lions would be in BIG trouble. Though Cassel is a veteran, Bob Quinn is always looking to improve every position on the team and that goes for the backups too. I would be surprised if Cassel is wearing the Honolulu blue in 2019.
RB – Ameer Abdullah
http://gty.im/1052697210
If there was ever a guarantee to be gone from the Lions in 2019 on this list, it would be Ezekiel Ansah. That being said, if there was a second guarantee, it would be Ameer Abdullah. To be honest, I believe that Abdullah has a lot of talent and I believe if he can just learn to hold on to the damn football, he can still play in the NFL. Unfortunately, he was unable to prove himself worthy of a roster spot with the Lions.
TE – Levine Toilolo
http://gty.im/1040020362
The good news is Levine Toilolo has caught 100% of the passes intended for him this season! The bad news is he has only been targeted four times through seven games. Toilolo only makes $1.5 million and would likely come pretty cheap, but the Lions would be better of finding a tight end via the draft or free agency who can be productive for the offense.
Here is the list of Detroit Lions who will be free agents in 2019 if the team does not re-sign them first.
