6:50pm: These trade efforts evidently failed. The Lions have released Kennard, according to a team announcement.
12:05pm: Hold the phone, because the Lions are on the phone. The club is discussing potential trades involving Kennard, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
11:51am: The Lions are releasing linebacker Devon Kennard, as Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. It’s not quite a Tom Brady-leaving-the-Patriots-level shocker, but it’s a surprise nonetheless. Kennard is coming off of back-to-back seasons with seven sacks, but the Lions have opted to move on from him.
Kennard came to the Lions in 2018 on a three-year, $18.75MM free agent deal. Since then, he’s tallied those aforementioned 14 sacks with 104 total stops, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble with near-perfect attendance. Previous to joining the Lions, Kennard started in 35 games for the Giants and posted four sacks as a non-rush linebacker in his walk year.
The Lions have signed another hybrid-type player, and linebacker-edge defender Jamie Collins now has a contract that eclipses Kennard’s. It is possible the longtime Patriot will move in on Kennard’s role. The Lions also gave an eight-figure-per-year deal to offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai. The Lions will save nearly $6MM by moving on from Kennard.
that’s cam jordan
He was apparently to productive to play for the Lions anymore.
Why is there a picture of Cam Jordan?
Another failed signing in Motown.
Why is Bob Quinn still employed?
He won’t be much longer. For somebody who’s job is on the line he hasn’t done much to improve the team.
I don’t understand what they are doing right now.
Perfect sense. Go out and sign an older, more banged up LB in Collins ONLY to cut a younger, cheaper, more productive Kennard. Just STUPID. Let’s just go sign only Ex Pats, cut everybody else. At least that way everyone can look at their SB rings in the locker room, that’s the only way to get ring in Detroit. SAD.