After roster cuts around the league are now done, it’s time to check back in with a few players who were in Detroit in 2023 but are now playing elsewhere.
Some of these players moved up depth charts with other teams. Some others bounced from playing a lot in Detroit to being on the practice squad of another team this year. That is just how the NFL life flows from year to year.
S Tracy Walker
Dec 3, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detroit Lions safety Tracy Walker III (21) reacts to recovering a fumble against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
After six seasons with the Lions, Walker joined the San Francisco 49ers this offseason. Walker was among the final cuts but was brought back to the 49ers’ practice squad.
DE Julian Okwara
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Julian Okwara #99 of the Detroit Lions during the second half in the game at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Okwara spent training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles before being among the final cuts. He has since signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.
Chase Lucas
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 14: Chase Lucas #27 of the Detroit Lions reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Just like Walker, Lucas made a run at the 53-man roster with the 49ers. While he hasn’t reached that goal yet, he did join the 49ers’ practice squad, along with Walker.
Romeo Okwara
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 07: Romeo Okwara #95 and Levi Onwuzurike #91 of the Detroit Lions celebrate after a sack during the third quarter in the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 07, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
After six seasons in Detroit and eight in the NFL, Okwara announced his retirement from football back in March.
Cam Sutton
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 16: Cameron Sutton #1 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a stop during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Ford Field on December 16, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
After spending the 2023 season with the Lions, Sutton returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency back in March. In July, Sutton was handed an eight-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Josh Reynolds
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 21: Josh Reynolds #8 of the Detroit Lions catches a pass for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Reynolds signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos this offseason and now could be in line for a bigger role on offense after Denver released Tim Patrick.
DB Will Harris
Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) reacts after intercepting the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit’s third-round pick back in 2019 will be the top reserve safety for the New Orleans Saints in 2024.