Michael Badgley seemed like the favorite to win the kicking job for the Lions this season. He won't even make the roster.
In a surprise move, the Lions have released Badgley days before the start of training camp, according to NFL Network.
Barring an addition, that whittles Detroit's kicking battle down to two: Riley Patterson and Parker Romo. Patterson is the clear favorite, having converted 30 of his 35 field goals for the Jaguars last season. Romo, who has no NFL experience, signed with the Lions in May after a successful season in the XFL.
Badgley was Detroit's main kicker last season and seemed to bring the team long-needed stability at the position. The Lions re-signed him to a one-year, $1.2 million deal after he converted 20 of 24 field goals and all 33 of his extra points.
Now, he'll be looking for work elsewhere.
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