The Lions wouldn’t have cut their losses in the past
The Detroit Lions are a team in transition. A team that has a lot of work to do before they will be ready to challenge for a world championship.
That means there will be a lot of hard decisions that will need to be made in order to build this team the right way. In a manner that will allow them to build a contender.
In the case of Campbell molding his roster, his first cuts were perhaps the most surprising. In the first wave of players that were released this week, it was a small group that included receiver Breshad Perriman, tackle Tyrell Crosby, and cornerback Mike Ford.
Crosby was a starter last season and did an adequate job. Despite missing time in training camp with injuries, most thought he would be a key backup. Ford has been developing as a player the last couple of years and it seemed almost a foregone conclusion that he would be counted on as valuable depth in the Lions’ secondary.
Instead, they were both released. It wasn’t a surprise when Denver snapped up Ford. One would think that Crosby will get another opportunity as well.
Then there was Breshad Perriman. The son of former Lions standout Brett was unable to capitalize on his opportunity to follow in his Father’s footsteps in Detroit.
First of many cuts this week is a notable one: Lions have released WR Breshad Perriman, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2021
I thought it was interesting when a friend of mine said that since this early signing by Lions general manager Brad Holmes didn’t work out, maybe we should pump the breaks a little instead of getting excited about the ability of Holmes and Campbell to build a winner.
I think this is the Lionized thought process. This franchise hasn’t done much right at all for the last 60 plus seasons, which I get and I don’t have a problem with fans looking at what this team does with a little scrutiny.
However, as I pointed out to my friend, despite the fact Perriman didn’t work out, Campbell cut his losses and ended it. In the past, the Lions would have carried Perriman and his guaranteed contract.
Not to mention that despite the fact Perriman’s contract was guaranteed, it was still a cost-effective contract that won’t hurt the salary cap in the long run. If anything, the way this was handled has strengthened my benefit of a doubt for this new regime.