The purge continues under the Lions' new regime.
The club has released DT Danny Shelton and backup QB Chase Daniel, according to Ian Rapoport. That makes it seven players cut from the roster this offseason.
Shelton signed a two-year, $8 million deal with Detroit last offseason. Pegged as a replacement for Damon Harrison, he was one of many underachievers on the worst defense in the NFL. Releasing him saves the Lions $4 million in cap space in 2021.
Daniel signed a three-year, $13 million deal last offseason. The Lions had tried to trade him ahead of free agency this year, but couldn't find any takers. Releasing him saves them $2.3 million in space this year and $5 million next year.
The purge under GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell began with the Lions cutting a pair of starting corners in Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman. They've also released starting LB Christian Jones, TE Jesse James and OL Joe Dahl.
Combined, the seven cuts save the Lions about $24.8 million in cap space this year.