After re-signing Dan Skipper this offseason to add to the Detroit Lions' offensive line depth, the team announced on Monday that they had informed the six year veteran that he would be released from the squad ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline.
Skipper, who had a solid offseason and looked like a perfect backup tackle to the injury prone Taylor Decker, finds himself without a team with just two weeks left to go until the regular season. He is likely to be scooped by a team in need of some OL depth, or even some starting reps at tackle.
It's hard to say what's next for the veteran, who clearly still has something to provide to any NFL team right now. One team that does make a ton of sense for him, unfortunately, is the Chicago Bears. A reunion with Ben Johnson should not be ruled out for the tackle.
Skipper could land with Bears after shocking cut from Lions
The Bears' depth at left tackle right now is not super inspiring, especially if you're unmoved by the team appearing ready to start the season with just Ozzy Trapilo backing up their starter, Braxton Jones. Jones is an excellent pass protector and run blocker, having only allowed two hits last season. Trapilo is an unproven rookie, and he'd be called upon if any injuries were to stop Jones from suiting up.
Jones is coming back from a surgery he underwent this offseason on a broken ankle he sustained towards the end of the 2024 season, which does give you some pause as to whether he can be consistent and reliable for a full season.
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If you add Skipper to the depth at left tackle, you're adding fairly reliable veteran depth to the position and relieving Trapilo of the pressure associated with having to protect your star quarterback from sacks.
It's also possible the Lions released Skipper as a means of bringing him back on a new deal, clearing some space on the roster for another signing. This could signal something in the works for Za'Darius Smith to return as the Lions still need some help at the pass rush. But, if Skipper is genuinely available, it'd be foolish for Ben Johnson to not kick the tires on his former tackle.
Skipper will, at least, always be remember for that touchdown versus the Buffalo Bills back in 2024, and even for his gross part in Dan Campbell's inspirational postgame speech in the Lions' locker room after a game against the Green Bay Packers.