Cut day is never a good day in the NFL, not for anyone, Players, Coaches, Front Offices, or fans. The Fans follow the teams all year round and a lot of fans even invest a whole weekend into the NFL draft, and some get attached to the drafted players for one reason or another. So Cut Day is a hard day all the way around. Here are the players the Lions cut on September 7th to get down to the 53-player active roster: • David Blough, QB • Jason Huntley, RB • Jonathan Williams, RB • Wes Hills, RB • Matt Sokol, TE • Isaac Nauta, TE • Victor Bolden, WR • Tom Kennedy, WR • Chris Lacy, WR • Geremy Davis, WR • Oday Aboushi, OL • Beau Benzschawel, OL • Kenny Wiggins, OL • Dan Skipper, OL • Will Clarke, DE • Kevin Wilkins, DT • Frank Herron, DT • Olive Sagapolu, DT • Albert Huggins, DL • Frank Herron, DL • Kevin Strong, DT • Anthony Pittman, LB • Dee Virgin, CB • Jalen Elliott, S • Bobby Price • Arryn Siposs, P • Steve Wirtel, LS ———————————- • Jayron Kearse. S (Reserve/Suspended) • Austin Bryant, DE (Reserve/PUP Next post will detail the Practice Squad, I would expect to see a lot of these same names again.

On Labor Day the Detroit Lions made it official, they have signed the recently released RB Adrian Peterson for the league minimum for a Vet with at least 7 years’ service - $1.05 Million dollars plus incentives. Last year Peterson played for the Washington Football Team and ran for 898 yards and 5 touchdowns. This seems like a very low risk, potentially high reward signing. Peterson could be effective in certain situations and he can also help the very young RB room in Allen Park. To make room for AD, the Lions moved RB Bo Scarborough to the Injured reserve. Under the adjusted rules for 2020, Scarborough can return in 3 weeks. That makes the Active RB roster: Peterson ,Kerryon Johnson, Deandre Swift, Ty Johnson, and Jason Cabinda.

The Detroit Lions and OT Taylor Decker have agreed to a contract extension per Ian Rapport. Details below Looks like a good deal for both sides. Decker will be the 8th highest paid OT per Over the Cap with this new contract.

Early in the off season it was announced that Jamal Agnew (CB/KR) was going to move over to the other side of the ball and play WR. There is no question when he has the ball in his hands that he is electric. He has playmaking ability no doubt. But as we have seen several times in the NFL it is more than catching a ball and running with it. It takes time to get the nuances of running routes, blocking schemes and a bevy of other items that will determine if you make an NFL roster or not. The Lions have a fairly decent WR corps, I would even say it may be the strongest unit of the team with Marvin Jones Jr, Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola as the top 3. It looks like Quintez Cepeheus the 5th round draft pick this year has a spot locked up AND it appears Jamal Agnew is looking at the #5 WR spot. This would be a very nice accomplishment in just 1 off-season . If he makes the team and is as productive as a 5th WR can be, I will give credit to the coaching staff and the front office for recognizing his potential at WR. This may explain the other 5th round pick of Jason Huntley a little better. The Rookie might see some time as a KR/PR this year allowing Agnew to focus on WR.

Earlier today, news broke that the Lions had agreed to terms (and subsequently signed) 1st Round Draft pick Jeff Okudah out of The Ohio State University. However, they were apparently a bit busier than that, as the Detroit Lions official twitter account just announced that not only Okudah had signed, but so also has WR Quintez Cephus and RB Jason Huntley, in addition to 2nd Rd pick D'Andre Swift (which was announced he had come to terms last week.) With the announcements that Cephus and Huntley have signed, that leaves only 7th Rd DT Jashon Cornell as the last member of the Lions 2020 class to yet agree to terms. Status of each Lions draft pick below: Rd 1: Jeff Okudah CB Status: 4-Year $33.529M Contract with $21.944M Signing Bonus; 5th-Year Team Option Rd 2: D' Andre Swift RB Status: 4-Year undisclosed deal Rd 3a: Julian Okwara DE Status: 4-Year $4.927M Contract with $1.143M Signing Bonus Rd 3b: Jonah Jackson OG Status: 4-Year $4.797M Contract with $1.049M Signing Bonus Rd 4: Logan Stenberg OG Status: 4-Year, $4.037M Contract with $742K Signing Bonus Rd 5a: Quintez Cephus WR Status: Signed to undisclosed Deal Rd 5b: Jason Huntley RB Status: Signed to Undisclosed Deal Rd 6: John Penisini DT Status: 4-year $3.467M deal with $171K signing bonus Rd 7: Jashon Cornell DT Status: Unsigned

Looks like the Lions are one step closer to getting all of their draft picks under contract. Ian Rapport posted to twitter this morning that the Lions had agreed to a standard rookie 4-year deal with CB Jeff Okduah, who the selected #3 overall in the 2020 NFLK Draft. The deal will have 5-th year club option, and we will have the details posted once Spotrac has it up. EDIT: The numbers are in per Spotrac, and Okudah did pretty well for himself. Status of each Lions draft pick below: Rd 1: Jeff Okudah CB Status: 4-Year $33.529M Contract with $21.944M Signing Bonus; 5th-Year Team Option Rd 2: D' Andre Swift RB Status: 4-Year undisclosed deal Rd 3a: Julian Okwara DE Status: 4-Year $4.927M Contract with $1.143M Signing Bonus Rd 3b: Jonah Jackson OG Status: 4-Year $4.797M Contract with $1.049M Signing Bonus Rd 4: Logan Stenberg OG Status: 4-Year, $4.037M Contract with $742K Signing Bonus Rd 5a: Quintez Cephus WR Status: Unsigned Rd 5b: Jason Huntley RB Status: Unsigned Rd 6: John Penisini DT Status: 4-year $3.467M deal with $171K signing bonus Rd 7: Jashon Cornell DT Status: Unsigned

Per the his personal twitter page, Detroit lions rookie RB D'Andre Swift announced that he has signed his contract with the club as of yesterday. The 2nd rounder out of Georgia is expected to share the backfield duties with fellow SEC alum Kerryon Johnson. I will update with the correct amounts once they are posted to Spotrac. As mentioned, Jackson follows Okwara, DT John Penisini and Logan Stenberg who signed back in May. Status of each Lions draft pick below: Rd 1: Jeff Okudah CB Status: Unsigned Rd 2: D' Andre Swift RB Status: 4-Year undisclosed deal Rd 3a: Julian Okwara DE Status: 4-Year $4.927M Contract with $1.143M Signing Bonus Rd 3b: Jonah Jackson OG Status: 4-Year $4.797M Contract with $1.049M Signing Bonus Rd 4: Logan Stenberg OG Status: 4-Year, $4.037M Contract with $742K Signing Bonus Rd 5a: Quintez Cephus WR Status: Unsigned Rd 5b: Jason Huntley RB Status: Unsigned Rd 6: John Penisini DT Status: 4-year $3.467M deal with $171K signing bonus Rd 7: Jashon Cornell DT Status: Unsigned

Per the Detroit lions official twitter feed, they announced today the signing of 3rd Round Draft Pick Jonah Jackson. The second pick of the 3rd Round (DE Julian Okwara signed a couple weeks ago), the big Guard from Ohio State is expected to immediately step into the competition with veterans Joe Dahl, Kenny Wiggins, Beau Benzschawel and fellow rookie Logan Stenberg to be one of the two starting Guards for the Lions this fall.. Numbers were not posted yet, but it is believed that the deal will be very similar to Okwara, who went 8 selections earlier in the round. Once Spotrac has them loaded, I will update with the correct amounts. [EDIT] The numbers are now available, and Jackson was signed to a 4 -year, $4,796,768 deal with a signing bonus of $1,048,560. As mentioned, Jackson follows Okwara, DT John Penisini and Logan Stenberg who signed back in May. Status of each Lions draft pick below: Rd 1: Jeff Okudah CB Status: Unsigned Rd 2: D' Andre Swift RB Status: Unsigned Rd 3a: Julian Okwara DE Status: 4-Year $4.927M Contract with $1.143M Signing Bonus Rd 3b: Jonah Jackson OG Status: Year $4.797M Contract with $1.049M Signing Bonus Rd 4: Logan Stenberg OG Status: 4-Year, $4.037M Contract with $742K Signing Bonus Rd 5a: Quintez Cephus WR Status: Unsigned Rd 5b: Jason Huntley RB Status: Unsigned Rd 6: John Penisini DT Status: 4-year $3.467M deal with $171K signing bonus Rd 7: Jashon Cornell DT Status: Unsigned

Per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Lions were able to get another draft pick under contract earlier today. Third round selection, DE Julian Okwara of Notre Dame, was signed to a 4 -year, $4,926,810 year deal with a signing bonus of $1,143,136 per Spotrac. Okwara is being counting on to add some teeth to the Lions pass rush, which struggled last year to generate pressure, let alone sacks and disruptive plays. Okwara follows DT John Penisini and Logan Stenberg who signed back in May. Status of each Lions draft pick below: Rd 1: Jeff Okudah CB Status: Unsigned Rd 2: D' Andre Swift RB Status: Unsigned Rd 3a: Julian Okwara DE Status: 4-Year $4.927M Contract with $1.143 Signing Bonus Rd 3b: Jonah Jackson OG Status: Unsigned Rd 4: Logan Stenberg OG Status: 4-Year, $4.037M Contract with $742K Signing Bonus Rd 5a: Quintez Cephus WR Status: Unsigned Rd 5b: Jason Huntley RB Status: Unsigned Rd 6: John Penisini DT Status: 4-year $3.467M deal with $171K signing bonus Rd 7: Jashon Cornell DT Status: Unsigned

Well that was fun while it lasted. Last week I speculated on a number of sites that the Detroit Lions might be able to use as an alternate training camp site if the State of Michigan was not reopened in time. A couple things happened in the last couple of days hat have changed that completely. First, Gov Whitmer rescinded her orders and allowed all indoor sports facilities to reopen yesterday with the state moving into Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. Secondly, the NFL sent an Memo to all teams today stating that they were unable to have joint practices this year and that it is requiring that all training camps be held at their team facilities instead of on the road. This normally wouldn't have been a big impact to the Lions, who last went on the road for training camp back in 2001 to Saginaw Valley State. However, between Whitmer's now rescinded order and a supposed offer from the Greenbrier, there was thought that the Lions may be on the move this year. Now that the NFL has outlined their expectations and Michigan is mostly open again, the expected mid-July opening of Lions training camp, and all of the mini-camps between now and then, will take place in Allen Park.

News broke this week that the Lions were extended an invite to have their training camp at The Greenbrier in West Virginia if Michigan leadership does not allow them to use of their practice Facility in Allen Park. There is a high probability that the contentious battle between Gov Whitmer and State Lawmakers could drag on, this could also lead to several more extensions of the stay-at-home orders that are currently set to expire on June 12th.. With training camp fast approaching, and the threat of Carolina Panthers looking for a temporary home while the RNC is going on in Charlotte, it may behoove the Lions to move quickly to find at least a temporary training camp for 2020 to ensure they will not be at a competitive disadvantage due to ongoing stay-at-home orders in Michigan and several surrounding states. As Canada, Illinois and Pennsylvania are still under lockdowns, that leave border states such as Ohio, Indiana, New York and today’s media darling West Virginia as potential sites for the Lions to make contingency plans to hold their Training Camp without interruptions. Having said that, I took a look at multiple sites that might be an option to host the Lions for training camp if it comes to it. Three of the four happen to be in the state of Ohio, but you cant be choosy when you don't have options. The Greenbrier West Virginia Facilities: Greenbrier Sports Performance Center – Outdoor Turf/Grass Practice Fields Why the Greenbrier? It is a luxury facility that have hosted both the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans in years past for training camp. The Lions can haul their weights, machines and training gear to West Virginia for the duration and practice in relative anonymity. Why not the Greenbrier? Its literally in the middle of nowhere in the Appalachian Mountains and all training equipment including weight room facilities will have to be trucked in. Not a small task when the clock is ticking and planning would have to be done in ~two weeks. Pro Football Hall of Fame Canton, OH Facilities: National Football and Youth Sports Complex – Outdoor Turf Fields Canton McKinley Don Scott Grass field Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium Why the Pro Football Hall of fame in Canton? Why not? They have an NFL ready stadium, four championship level Football/Lacrosse Turf Fields and Canton McKinley’s Don Scott Grass field to really spread out. Why not Canton? Much like Bowling Green, it may be a challenge to get accommodations for 150+ players, coaches and staff. In addition, I do not believe that there is a NFL caliber weight and training facility on the grounds, but I could be wrong. There is also the issue of disruptions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonies and Game that are to occur at the beginning of preseason, that would lead to an even bigger crunch of accommodations (assuming things are back to normal, a big if). Bowling Green University Bowling Green, OH Facilities: Outdoor Grass Fields Doyt Perry Stadium – Outdoor Turf Why Bowling Green? It’s close, a mere hour and a half form Allen Park and frankly, the University could really use an infusion of cash. They are projecting a $29M shortfall and have $2M in Athletic Budget cuts on the table, including cutting the baseball program. The facilities will not be the greatest, but Doyt Perry is a turf field and there is a significant amount of natural grass fields surrounding the stadium that can be used. Why not Bowling Green? The facilities are below par for a MAC school, let alone an NFL franchise. It’s doubtful that they will have time to put much money into it, and without an indoor practice facility, the unexpected NW Ohio weather could come into play with disruptions. Housing for 150 players, coaches and support staff will be a challenge in Bowling Green, unless they utilize the southern suburbs of Toledo (10 miles away). Ball State University Muncie, IN Facilities: Field Sports Building - Indoor Truf facility Multiple Outdoor Turf and Grass Fields Scheumann Stadium - Outdoor Turf Stadium Why Ball State? The drive isn't too far to Muncie, and the campus has a traditional college feel to it with plenty of space and amenities to have a team descend on the town. There are plenty of outdoor fields available for sharing with NFL and MAC teams, and similar to Bowling Green, almost every MAC school could use an infusion of cash. Why not Ball State? The facilities are about a year away from being ready, with the current indoor practice field last renovated in 2000 and the new $25M facility just breaking ground. The lions may not want to invest in upgrading fields and equipment for a one-year use of the facility. Although it is a college town, last minute accommodations could be an issue. Massillon High School Massillon, OH Facilities: Paul L David Training Center – Indoor Practice Facility Paul Brown Tiger Stadium – Outdoor Turf Field Why Massillon? Do not laugh, these are some of the finest facilities in the state of Ohio, rivaling the MAC schools and pretty much any other high school not in Texas. Their Indoor facility and stadium are both world-class and this is pretty much the birthplace of football. Why not Massillon? Accommodations for the 150+ Lions entourage, lack of outdoor grass fields and Training Facilities likely not up to NFL level. Fortress Obetz Obetz, OH Facilities: Fortress Obetz – Outdoor Turf Field Multiple Natural Grass Fields Columbus Crew Training Complex 1/4 mile away Why Fortress Obetz? Surprisingly, the multipurpose turf field is of great quality and was the home of the Ohio Machine, a now defunct semi-pro Lacrosse team. It is located in a secluded suburb of SE Columbus, OH and has access to the MLS Columbus Crew training facilities right next door. Why not Fortress Obetz? The facility hosts multiple youth Lacrosse and Football tournaments in the fall along with various festivals. Although it is located within the outer belt that surrounds Columbus, the accommodations and amenities in the immediate area are pretty sparse and would require bussing in the team and support staff from somewhere else in the city. Others Options: Ohio University - Athens, OH Syracuse University - Syracuse, NY Miami, OH University - Oxford, OH Baldwin-Wallace University - Berea, OH (Close proximity to Browns)

So an interesting tidbit wad dropped out of Peter King's weekly Football Morning in America column yesterday in his "Classroom: Lions" series. While listing off the participants on the Zoom call with his WRs that coach Robert Prince was having, King revealed that "...converted DB..." Jamal Agnew was now part of the WR corp for the Lions. There is a possibility that he is attending due to his use in the past as an offensive "weapon" at both WR and RB, but this could also be a full blow position swap to help both the Lions and Agnew in the future. While this may come as a bit of a surprise, it has some semblance of common sense to it, so lets take a look at both the Pros and Cons of such a move:: Pros Agnew has not shown much promise as a CB prospect and position now has quality depth 5-6 players deep Lions added multiple players with return game skills in FA and the Draft (Huntley) Lions need an Amendola replacement in the near future Agnew has always been a play make when ball is in his hands NFL is determined to reduce kickoff and Punt plays for safety reasons, hastening the trend that players who are only return guys are purely a luxury item even with expanded rosters Agnew is in a contract year, so adding another skillset will make him more attractive to the Lions or as a UFA in 2021 Cons Agnew is in a contract year, so its a big gamble to change positions and get out of his comfort zone If he becomes a gadget player that can be inserted in the offense, defense or at DB, he will be spread awfully thin, even as a 3-year veteran Ball security could scuttle his chances. In 103 career touches, he has fumbled the ball 5 times , which is almost a 5% fumble rate. Overall, I personally like the move for Agnew and the Lions, as it will give him a chance to lengthen his NFL career along with adding to his potential. He was likely a roster bubble candidate before the move to WR started, so this will give him a shot as both a Return man and possible WR option that should help the Lions with depth and competition. The Lions only have handful of slot guys in Amendola, Hall, Bolden and Kennedy on the roster so the competition to back up Amendola will be between a bunch of inexperienced guys. Bolden (Return Man and 1 career NFL catch), Kennedy (0 games played) and Agnew (3 rec, 4 career Rushes) will likely be chasing Marvin Hall and his 19 career receptions for that backup job. Will Agnew survive, hard to tell, but a lot will ride on how flexible and productive the player is for the team, and Agnew, if he can catch the ball, may have a great shot at the role.