11 Lions Whose Time in Detroit Will End After Divisional Round Loss

Detroit's quest for a Super Bowl title officially ended this weekend. As a result, these 11 Lions likely won't return to the Motor City next season.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) warms up before the game between San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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6. Michael Niese, OL

A lot of the Lions' success had to do with a reliable offensive line that ranked among the league's best units. Having said that, offensive lineman Michael Niese didn't exactly do much to contribute to that success.

The 6-foot-5 blocker joined the Lions in 2023, however, he only played one game that season. That changed this time around as Niese suited up in a backup role for all 17 of Detroit's regular-season contests. Unfortunately, he didn't make the most of his opportunities.

Although he was a decent pass blocker, Niese struggled to excel as a run blocker with a grade of 40.7. In an offense like the Lions' where there's a huge emphasis on the run, there's no use for a player like that.

Detroit holds Niese's exclusive-rights free agents this offseason, but that doesn't mean the franchise will give him a qualifying offer. He simply isn't good enough to be a part of the Lions' offensive line and will likely look to continue his NFL career elsewhere.

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