The Detroit Lions have taken a Moneyball approach this offseason

Let It Go

Mar 11, 2015; Davie, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (right) and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross (left) both field questions from reporters during a press conference at Doctors Hospital Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In the film, the Athletics are fresh off of losing Johnny Damon and Jeremy Giambi after a playoff season and the belief from the media and the fans perspectives is that the A’s can’t win without them. similar to the Lions situation with Suh and Fairley. Just like Beane, Mayhew wanted these guys back but just couldn’t afford them. In that moment you have to just let them walk. By just letting it go, the Lions have created a situation that allows them to save money and wipe the books clean of all the dead money for next season.

The Lions also made moves to rid themselves of middling production players like Dominic Raiola and Rob Sims. They also made the hard decisions like cutting Reggie Bush and C.J. Mosley loose. This may seem crazy to some, but the Lions will be better after making these moves. Not just as a team, but also as a franchise.

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