6 Lions Who Won't Return in 2025 With Season Officially Over

4. Dan Skipper, OL

Admittedly, calling Dan Skipper a key Lion might be a bit of a stretch. Skipper has been a career backup and is realistically only a name most Lions fans know because of Ben Johnson's trick passes to him. However, Skipper has become quite popular with NFL fans over the past two seasons.

Skipper began to gain the public eyes interest following his "failure" to report as eligible during the Lions matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 of the 2023 season. In many fans and analysts' opinions, Skipper did exactly what he was supposed to do, but the referee didn't pay any attention to him.

The referee's failure to acknowledge Skipper cost Detroit a two-point conversion, resulting in a loss and the team not earning the No.1 seed in 2023. Skipper was unable to record a catch when the two teams met this season, but he did score a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in 2024.

Even though Skipper's last two seasons have likely been the most memorable of his career, his third stint in Detroit is probably over. With Johnson now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Detroit could call fewer trick plays to offensive linemen.

While it's been cool to see Skipper get those opportunities, that's really the only time he sees success on the field. When he comes in to be an offensive lineman, he's below average, which is why he is a backup.

Don't be shocked if Detroit doesn't extend an offer to Skipper this offseason.