The Detroit Lions will forfeit an OTA practice after a collective bargaining agreement violation, the team announced. Monday’s practice will no longer take place.
The Lions released a statement Friday night admitting to violating “player work rules” about physical contact late last month. Under the NFL’s CBA, the franchise will have to forfeit an OTA practice as a result.
According to the CBA, teams cannot use live contact during optional team activities – the second phase of the nine-week offseason program. The Lions held their second set of OTAs May 29-31, and their final three practices are coming up next week. Detroit also wrapped up mandatory minicamp on Thursday.
“On Friday evening the organization was made aware by the NFL and NFLPA that Organized Team Activities (OTA) practices held the week of May 27 violated player work rules pertaining to on-field physical contact pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement,” the statement read. “As a result, the team’s OTA practice scheduled for Monday, June 10 has been forfeited. We take very seriously the rules set forth within the NFL’s Offseason Program and have worked to conduct our practices accordingly. We will continue to be vigilant with our practices moving forward.”
The Lions are coming off an impressive 2023 season en route to their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991. They won the NFC North with a 12-5 record and with a Wild Card victory over Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, secured their first playoff win since that 1991 season.
Lions wrapping up busy offseason
After last year’s run, Detroit focused on locking down some key pieces from last year’s group, and general manager Brad Holmes did just that.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension April which, at the time, made him the highest-paid receiver in the league. Then, stalwart offensive lineman Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million contract – but the biggest deal came at the quarterback spot.
Jared Goff became the highest-paid player in franchise history this offseason when he secured a four-year extension worth $212 million. That includes $170 million in guaranteed money, and it means Goff will be in town for a while longer after coming over in the Stafford trade.
With those playmakers locked in, Detroit also had a solid showing in the NFL Draft, particularly by bolstering the secondary. The Lions selected former Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round and added another DB in former Missouri standout Ennis Rakestraw in the second round.