Detroit Lions WR Tyrell Williams on what he brings to the offense
New Detroit Lions wideout Tyrell Williams talks March 15, 2021, about joining the team.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have not made a dent in free agency yet, but they continue to clear their roster of some of their most undesirable contracts.
NFL Network reported early Tuesday that the Lions plan to release backup quarterback Chase Daniel and defensive tackle Danny Shelton.
The moves create another $6.3 million in cap space, but add two more holes for the Lions to fill this offseason.
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Shelton, one of the Lions’ top free agent additions last spring, made 37 tackles in 12 starts in his lone season in Detroit, when the Lions had the league’s worst defense.
John Penisini, a rookie sixth-round pick, outplayed Shelton at nose tackle and should man the position this fall.
Daniel appeared in four games as a backup to Matthew Stafford, completing 29 of 43 passes for 264 yards with one touchdown and two interception.
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The Lions let it be known they were willing to trade Daniel earlier this month, but found no takers for his bloated $4.3 million salary, of which $1.5 million is fully guaranteed.
The Lions could enter 2021 with a completely new quarterback room. In January, they agreed to trade Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff and three draft picks. That move will become official later this week, and Goff is expected to start at quarterback this fall.
David Blough remains under contract as a backup, but the Lions will add another veteran in free agency and/or a rookie around the draft.
Once processed, Daniels’ release will create $2.3 million in cap space, while Shelton’s will free up $4 million.
Previously, the Lions cut linebacker Christian Jones, cornerback Justin Coleman and tight end Jesse James, and they are expected to release or trade Desmond Trufant before the new league year opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
They also released guard Joe Dahl with a failed physical designation Monday.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.