Detroit Lions waive Jalen Elliott and Javon McKinley to fully clear room for undrafted rookies

The Detroit Lions completed their clearing of space for their rookie class on Thursday, waiving safety Jalen Elliott and wide receiver Javon McKinley.

The Detroit Lions needed to clear space to sign their undrafted free agents ahead of rookie minicamp on Friday, and on Thursday morning they got it all the way done. Per the team’s announcement, safety Jalen Elliott and wide receiver Javon McKinley have been waived.

Elliott and McKinley both came to the Lions as undrafted free agents, Elliott in 2020 and McKinley in 2021. Elliott spent 2020 on the practice squad then saw action in eight games last season, making one start at safety, as he played 92 defensive snaps and 140 special teams snaps.

McKinley did the waiver wire-practice squad dance last season, and he never played landed on the active roster or, obviously got in a game.

Offseason additions at safety and wide receiver, two weaker spots on the Lions’ roster entering the offseason, easily pushed Elliott and McKinley off the 90-man roster. It was just a matter of time before they were let go, though the door is theoretically open for a return later if they go unclaimed.

Detroit Lions now have room to sign full undrafted rookie free agent class

The Lions have now waived eight players this week, in an effort to create space for signing of all their undrafted rookies before rookie minicamp. Some draft picks (six remain for the Lions to agree to terms with, after Aidan Hutchinson and Chase Lucas agreed to terms earlier this week) could practice without signing their contracts.

In any case, the previously reported deals the Lions have with undrafted free agents can now become official, and they should be announced soon. A few are reportedly getting notable chunks of guaranteed money, seemingly with a legit chance to make the 53-man roster.