Lions HC Dan Campbell on roster cuts: ‘We’re gonna have to let go of some good players’

With the looming deadline for roster cuts quickly approaching, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has already come to terms with the fact that they’ll have to cut some promising talent loose.

On Tuesday, Campbell shared that the Lions still consider five or six roster spots up for grabs. He added Wednesday that that isn’t enough for everyone they’d like to keep.

Related: Lions HC Dan Campbell: 5 or 6 roster spots still up for grabs

“We’re gonna have to let go of some good players, I think, ultimately, that I think can play in this league at some point here at different positions, and that’s a hard thing to do,” Campbell said. “But, it also shows where our roster is at to this point. It’s grown a ton. (General manager) Brad (Holmes) has done a hell of a job.”

The deadline for rosters to be down to 53 players is 4 p.m. (ET) Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Campbell was also asked about how the Lions determine which players may clear waivers and make it to their practice squad as they decide on roster cuts. He again praised Holmes for his work.

“I’ll be honest with you, I lean on Brad for that, 100%. I just go to him and say, ‘What do you think?’” Campbell said.

The coach added of Holmes, “He has not missed yet.”

As for which spots might be up for grabs still, depth along the offensive and defensive lines, safety and, of course, wide receiver are the big ones.

The coach talked through the process a bit when asked about depth offensive linemen Kayode Awosika, Kingsley Eguakun and Michael Niese.

“Brad and I have gone back and forth over that as well. How many lineman are we keeping?” Campbell said. “What does that come down to? Is potentially one of those lineman more important than the safety, one of these safeties, depth safety, or does it come down to a fullback/tight end? So, we’re constantly playing that — you know, I know you guys are playing the numbers game — we’re playing it all, too, you know? What’s the best roster? Can one guy handle two spots or is it worth keeping two, all three of them?”

Finally, Campbell shouted out another guy fighting for one of those final roster spots: Mitchell Agude, who Campbell said they moved from defensive end to strong-side linebacker just last week.

“We like Mitch,” Campbell said. “Mitch, he’s another guy who just busts his rear, man, he gives you everything he’s got out there. He’s got some rush ability, he’s strong, quick off the edge. … It’s not necessarily the perfect position for Mitch but he’s made the most of it and he’s trying to make it work and that’s a credit to him but he still has enough of that where he can play the D-end position and really excel at what he does best so he’s doing a good job. We like Mitch.”

What a change it’s been in just a few years since Campbell and Holmes took over. While it’s never fun to cut guys loose, especially those with good potential, it just goes to show how far the Lions have come under Campbell and Holmes, and how strong they’re looking heading into the new season.