3 surprise cuts the Lions could make this offseason

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 03: D'Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions runs for a short gain during the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 03, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Minnesota defeated Detroit 37-35. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 26: Antonio Brown #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a reception for a touchdown ahead of Justin Coleman #27 of the Detroit Lions during the second quarter of a game at Ford Field on December 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

2. CB Justin Coleman

When a team gives up the second-most points in one season in NFL history, any number of defensive players could be on the outs. Add in a new head coach (Dan Campbell) and new coordinator (Aaron Glenn) and the Detroit Lions’ defense could look extremely different come the start of the 2021 season – and even earlier.

No club in the league gave up more total yards per game and only the Falcons and Seahawks surrendered more yards through the air this past season. The Men from Motown allowed a mind-boggling 519 points, to go along with 65 offensive touchdowns

In his first season with the Lions in 2019, cornerback Justin Coleman finished seventh on the team with 53 defensive tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery in 16 outings. He tied for the team lead with 13 passes defensed. But he didn’t come close to those numbers in ’20 due mainly to a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 1 vs. the Bears. He would miss the next five games and although he returned to play in the final 10 contests. There were just 29 defensive stops, zero picks and one pass defensed in 11 outings.

Releasing Coleman – who did not earn high grades from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) when he was available – would aid the team’s cap situation (see Spotrac). The club is parting ways with cornerback Desmond Trufant (via ESPN’s Michael Rothstein).

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