The Detroit Lions kick off their OTAs on Wednesday as they get ready to get together as a team for the first time since the disappointing end to their 2024 season. The rookies, newcomers, veterans, and the entire coaching staff will be in the building to officially kickstart the 2025 campaign and the chase for the Super Bowl.
Right before the offseason program, the Lions announced a signing. On Tuesday, it was reported that Detroit was signing veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham. The former single-season tackles leader of the NFL joined the Lions after spending last season with the Broncos. To make room for the 30-year-old defender, Detroit had to make a corresponding move. They announced that later in the day, waiving fellow linebacker Abraham Beauplan.
Lions Waive LB Abraham Beauplan to Make Room for Zach Cunningham
Beauplan made his NFL debut with the Lions last season after joining the team in the 2024 offseason. After spending training camp with the team, Beauplan was waived as part of roster cuts and was signed back to the practice squad in late September. Once the Lions were hit with the injury bug, Beauplan was promoted to the active roster and made three appearances. The former Marshall standout didn't see a defensive snap in these games but lined up in 52% of special teams snaps in that stretch.
Before joining the Lions, the 25-year-old was with the Minnesota Vikings. He had spent the training camp and preseason there before being placed on injured reserve right before the season and was waived with an injury designation in September 2023.
He wasn't able to make a regular-season appearance with the Vikings before getting waived in the offseason and eventually landing in Detroit. What the future holds for Beauplan remains to be seen as teams around the NFL are in full swing with their offseason programs.