All 32 NFL team must cut their rosters down to 53 players by Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. While some cuts do happen on the deadline day itself, most happen on the days leading up to it. The Detroit Lions are no exception.
According to Dave Brikett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions released linebacker Anthony Pittman on Monday. Unlike most releases, since Pittman is a veteran, he isn't subjected to waivers. Therefore, he is free to immediately sign somewhere else.
The Lions are releasing LB Anthony Pittman. Solid special teams player. Dan Campbell mentioned his story earlier as an example of someone teams my let go and then need later in the year.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 25, 2025
Lions Cut LB Anthony Pittman Before 53-Man Roster Deadline
Pittman, a hometown kid, signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He then spent the next five seasons with the Lions, including when he was on the practice squad in 2020. In that time, he recorded 14 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, and a defended pass.
Pittman saw the majority of his playing time on special teams, spending 1,117 snaps in that role compared to only 151 on defense. His ability to contribute in that phase of the game helped him stick around, but roster turnover eventually caught up with him.
Following the 2023 season, the Detroit native was released. He went on to sign with the Washington Commanders, but was part of their final roster cuts. Shortly after, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to their practice squad.
However, due to the number of injuries Detroit sustained last year, Pittman was signed off the Jaguars' practice squad on Dec. 17, 2024. The local talent ended up playing four games for the Lions once he returned, but again, he mainly played special teams.
In Birkett's tweet, he mentioned how head coach Dan Campbell used Pittman as an example of a player a team lets go of now, but may re-sign later in the year. Consequently, it leaves the door open for Pittman to return later in the year.
Given he has yet to spend one full season out of Detroit, it wouldn't be surprising if that happened. Nevertheless, Lions fans don't mind cheering for a player who was born and raised in the city where the team plays.