The Detroit Lions and many other teams around the league are going through the painful process of crushing dreams for players across the country right now. It’s one of the parts of the job coaches dread -- having to cut players.
Every year, I talk to guys about this process and they tell stories about seeing the phone light up and knowing they are out of a job. Or waiting and being elated when the call never came. We address some of that in this week’s Lions mailbag, but mostly hit on other issues involving the team that are less fluid than the roster.
To ask a question for the Mailbag, use the hashtag #LionsMailbag on Twitter, email me at michael.rothstein@espn.com or drop me a note on Facebook.
Now, on to your questions.
@mikerothstein will the Lions show interest in former Vikings Center John Sullivan? Should they? #LionsMailbag
— Jason Hatch (@jasonhatch20) August 31, 2016
@mikerothstein: At this point probably not unless there's an injury for the Lions -- or if Graham Glasgow is somehow out for a while. Though Travis Swanson hasn't been the most consistent Detroit Lions player, there is something to be said for continuity on the line, and the franchise is trying to build that. Though experienced, inserting John Sullivan into a group that has a left side trying to figure things out (tackle Taylor Decker and guard Laken Tomlinson) could be dangerous for Matthew Stafford. So I just don't see it, especially since Detroit is trying to play at a pace that I don't know if Sullivan can handle. He's a good player, and someone maybe Detroit looks at him after Week 1 if he's still available so his salary wouldn't be guaranteed for the season, but I wouldn't count on it.
@mikerothstein #LionsMailbag Many predicting Lions weak this yr due to loss of 81. Would picks be diff w 81 vs 11? Will it affect W/L much?
— Boyd Williams (@PatchingBirder) August 31, 2016
@mikerothstein: This is an interesting question, because I get asked about replacing Calvin Johnson more than any other question out there. I don't know if predictions would be that much different, because I think the main causes for concern are the offensive line (valid), the secondary (somewhat valid) and how Detroit played last season (pretty valid). Marvin Jones has been impressive this preseason and should have an explosive year. He might top 1,000 yards and eventually command double-teams. But he's not Calvin Johnson. He knows that. You know that. I know that. So maybe Johnson is good for a win or two in predictions, but I think the issues are more the other things I mentioned. But sure, having a potential Hall of Fame receiver would definitely help.
@mikerothstein which 2013 draft pick do you see Quinn not re-signing? #LionsMailbag
— C.J. Eckman (@eckman44) September 1, 2016
@mikerothstein: The easy answer here is Corey Fuller, but taking him, Michael Williams (traded to New England) and Brandon Hepburn (cut a long time ago) out of the equation, I like this question. Right now I'm not sure. It seems like the Lions are going to wait on the rest of the class other than Darius Slay and Ezekiel Ansah for at least a little bit. Slay signed an extension right before camp. Ansah has a fifth-year option and a potential franchise tag year. The rest, other than Sam Martin, still have something to prove. Devin Taylor needs to show he can handle an expanded role. Theo Riddick should put up another big year to be safe -- although someone will pay him. Larry Warford needs to return to his old form and stay healthy. If I had to handicap it, I'd say most likely to re-sign to least likely would be this, with the caveat I think Detroit can bring all of them back if Bob Quinn wants to: Martin, Taylor, Riddick, Warford.
@mikerothstein What is the matter with the previously sure-handed Golden Tate? #LionsMailbag
— Mike Hodges (@Lionsfan1960) August 28, 2016
@mikerothstein: Nothing. He can still catch and still will make a ton of plays. When it comes to a veteran like him, don't read too much into preseason. He's a guy that always makes big plays when it matters, and when he's given the opportunity in games that really matter. I've covered him on-and-off since he was a freshman in college, and he's always been that way. He's a playmaker, so I wouldn't be concerned about anything with Golden Tate yet. Now if real games start and he's somehow dropping easy receptions, then you can ask that question. But for now, I wouldn't fret.
@mikerothstein so you think that Rudock makes the 53 man roster as of now? I know you had an article last week, but asking as of right now.
— Nick Green (@07nrgree) September 2, 2016
@mikerothstein: Nothing's changed. I think Jake Rudock's on the 53-man roster. He played well Thursday in the final exhibition and should be kept around, especially considering the Lions will have to make seven guys inactive on game days anyway. Now, if Detroit ever gets into a significant injury numbers crunch he might be viewed as expendable, but I don't see that being an issue right now. If it happens and he clears waivers, I expect him to land on Detroit's practice squad.
