Jahlani Tavai did as he was asked by the Lions' new coaching staff, shedding weight to play a new role on defense. It still wasn't enough.
The Lions have released the former second-round pick after failing to find any takers in a trade, according to Adam Schefter, a fitting end to his brutal career in Detroit.
A clear reach by the previous regime in the 2019 draft, Tavai was bad his first season, arguably even worse his second, and terrible this preseason. That he generated zero interest on the trade market is a reflection of the product he's put on tape.
Rather than trying to salvage something lost, the new regime is smartly moving on. At middle linebacker, the Lions are depending on a starting duo of Jamie Collins and free-agent acquisition Alex Anzalone. Rookie Derrick Barnes could play a big role as well.
The Lions have to shave their roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. Tuesday. The club has also waived RB Craig Reynolds and DT Bruce Hector, adding to the many cuts it made on Monday.