The Detroit Lions have had an unexpectedly busy week making roster moves. On Monday, All-Pro center Frank Ragnow surprisingly retired. Shortly after his retirement, Detroit waived cornerback Gavin Holmes and signed Divaad Wilson to replace him. That said, the Lions needed to add at least one more offensive lineman after Ragnow's retirement.
They did just that on Wednesday when it was reported that Detroit would be signing former Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals guard/center Trystan Colon. This move was made official Thursday Morning via a post on the Lions' official X account stating they released Wilson in order to sign Colon.
Lions Release Divaad Wilson to Make Room for Offensive Lineman
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Wilson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars but failed to make even their practice squad. Fortunately, the Arizona Cardinals saw something in him and added him to their practice squad.
The 25-year-old saw his first NFL snaps in Week 12 that year against the Los Angeles Rams. He also played the following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In those two games, Wilson didn't play well, recording a 40.4 grade in pass coverage, a 37.2 grade in tackling and a 45.6 overall defensive grade, according to PFF.
Given that he was an undrafted talent, his struggles weren't too surprising. In December of 2024, the New York Giants signed Wilson off the Cardinals' practice squad. He ended up playing in their Week 18 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, putting together a mixed performance.
Be that as it may, Wilson would have had a tough time making the Lions' 53-man roster this year. Currently, Detroit's cornerback room consists of D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Amik Robertson, Khalil Dorsey and Dan Jackson.
Wilson would have been competing with Jackson and Dorsey for a roster spot. However, both players had a leg up to start since Dorsey was re-signed this offseason and Jackson was a late-round pick this year.
Clearly, Detroit thought Wilson didn't have much of a chance of making the practice squad with all the talent they have in the cornerback room. Nevertheless, Wilson now has a chance to earn a spot on another team's practice squad.