Overview

• The Lions finalized their cuts at 50 players, leaving three roster spots open after the 53-man deadline.
• Detroit carried only three edge rushers — Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad — with Josh Paschal on reserve/NFI and rookie Ahmed Hassanein waived with an injury settlement.
• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Za'Darius Smith is a name to watch with interest from multiple contenders, and GM Brad Holmes has acknowledged ongoing interest without a deal in place.
• Analyst Bill Barnwell floated a low-cost swap with New England for Anfernee Jennings, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick for Jennings and a 2026 seventh, highlighting his run-stopping value and $2.5 million 2025 cost.
• Holmes has called Smith’s March release a financial decision, and observers note Detroit’s sizable cap space as contract structure, cap mechanics and cutdown-day timing guide next steps.