5 players Lions could target after roster cutdowns

It was roster cutdown day in the NFL on Tuesday, meaning the Detroit Lions and all other teams set their initial 53-man rosters, except the Lions opted to only keep 52 players.

They could also create another spot or two with injured reserve moves, meaning the Lions could be active claiming or signing other players who were cut in recent days.

Related: Detroit Lions keep only 52 on initial roster after wave of cuts

Even with reports that former Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick will join Detroit’s practice squad and work up to the active roster, here are five other guys who could intrigue the Lions.

WR Terrace Marshall

The former second-round pick out of LSU hasn’t had a strong start to his career but it’s also fair to wonder how much the oft-changing cast around him could’ve impacted that.

At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he’s a big-bodied guy with immense upside, and he’s still just 24 years old.

WR Quintez Cephus

Could a reunion with the Wisconsin alum make sense? Cephus spent three years with the Lions from 2020 through 2022, totaling 37 catches for 568 yards and four touchdowns.

He missed the entire 2023 season after his suspension for gambling but is back and spent the preseason with Houston.

He’s 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, and could be a nice complement to the current group.

WR Noah Brown

How about another receiver cut by the Texans? The 6-foot-2, 225-pound wideout spent five seasons in Dallas before joining Houston last season. With the upstart Texans, he hauled in 33 catches for 567 yards and two touchdowns, his second straight year with over 500 yards receiving.

He’s got a solid track record and would be more of a known commodity than Marshall or Cephus.

WR Allen Robinson

Robinson, a Detroit native, could be a fun homecoming story.

At 31, he’s not the player he once was but he’s still 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, and a veteran who has proven to be productive.

Last year, with the Steelers, he collected 280 yards on 34 catches but he’s still got over 39 catches each of the past six seasons.

WR Equanimeous St. Brown

Yes, Amon-Ra’s brother was cut loose by the Saints and could be intriguing, not just because of his connections.

Equanimeous is 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, so if Dan Campbell wants a big body, he certainly checks that box.

He’s already spent five seasons in the NFC North, three with Green Bay and the past two with Chicago, with varying levels of success, but he does have two seasons of over 30 catches and 300 yards under his belt. In a more explosive offense, he could carve out a decent role.

Waivers will be completed Wednesday morning so teams can start setting their practice squads at noon (ET).