Detroit Lions trim roster by releasing Tim Wright, Keshawn Martin
By Zac Snyder
Rosters won’t be chopped down for the regular season until after the preseason finale, but the Detroit Lions have released a pair of veterans.
The Detroit Lions will have some difficult decisions to make when they have to trim their preseason roster down to 53 players for the start of the regular season. However, tight end Tim Wright and wide receiver Keshawn Martin will not factor into those decisions.
Both players were released by the team this morning.
Wright had some nice moments in last week’s preseason game against the New England Patriots, catching three passes for 34 yards on three targets. He may have something to offer some NFL team, but his path to a roster spot was an uphill battle. The top three spots on the depth chart are locked down by Eric Ebron, Darren Fells and Michael Roberts. It’s possible the Liosn keep a fourth tight end, but not a guarantee. Cole Wick appears the frontrunner there if the Lions go that direction.
It’s a similar situation for Martin, who was likely no better than sixth on the wide receiver depth chart. Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay and TJ Jones should be safe, with Jace Billingsley and Jared Abbrederis battling for a fifth wide receiver roster spot.
Martin was also in the mix for return duties, but it looks like those will be handled by someone capable of locking down a roster spot on the offensive or defensive depth chart. Dwayne Washington looks like a lock to be the fourth running back, Jamal Agnew has shown enough promise at corner to warrant making the 53-man roster and Jace Billingsley is another option if he makes the team.
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The Lions don’t have to cut the roster down until after Thursday’s game against the Bills since the NFL did away with the first round of cuts starting this year. However, it is not uncommon for veteran players like Wright and Martin to be cut loose on the early side if it becomes clear they will not make the final 53-man roster. Now they can try to find a better opportunity to make a team elsewhere.