The Lions are making their most shocking cut we’ve ever seen, and I don’t understand it
Dortch appeared positioned to fill a role on offense and compete for the punt-return job after a strong summer, making Detroit’s decision one of its biggest cutdown-day surprises.
The Detroit Lions are releasing wide receiver Greg Dortch, and I genuinely do not know why they’re doing this. It makes zero sense to me. I thought Dortch had a really good summer. I thought he had earned the punt return job. I thought he had earned the kick returner job. This is one of the most shocking roster cuts I have ever seen the Lions make, and that is not hyperbole.
This was on absolutely nobody’s radar. Not a single person thought this would happen. Part of me wonders if this is some sort of mistake. Dortch has history with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. He was someone I expected to be a big part of Detroit’s offense in terms of gadget plays and versatility. He can do a bunch of different things, and he showed that throughout camp. He’s been good this summer. I just don’t know what happened.
What does the Lions’ receiver room look like now?
You can look at this and start to piece together what the thought process might be. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa are your top three receivers. That was never in question. We thought Dortch would be the clear No. 4, but now the picture changes.
Maybe the Lions feel they can’t let go of Tay Martin because they feel too good about what he brings on special teams. Lucky Jackson is someone I think Detroit really likes. I know Lions coach Dan Campbell talked about Jackson a few weeks ago, and the staff seems genuinely high on what he’s able to bring to the table. Then there’s Tom Kennedy, who was in that fight for the punt return job as well. Maybe Kennedy found his way onto the roster at this point.
So I’m thinking out loud here, but the receiver room could shape up as six guys: St. Brown, Williams, TeSlaa, Martin, Jackson, and Kennedy.
Was there a sign we missed?
It was a bit of a surprise to see Dortch playing in the third preseason game. Maybe that could have been a sign. But a bunch of guys played in that game, so it didn’t stand out as a red flag at the time.
I’m almost at a loss for words. I’ve got to say it again. This is the most shocking cut I’ve ever seen this team make. We’re going to see what happens next, whether Dortch clears waivers or another team scoops him up. But for Detroit, this is a stunner.
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