3 former Detroit Lions starters who might be done in the NFL

2. DT Michael Brockers

After a not very impactful first season with the Lions in 2021, Brockers played in just one game after the Week 6 bye last year--mostly as a healthy scratch. His behind the scenes leadership role was lauded by no less an authority than head coach Dan Campbell. But it's not a coincidence the Lions' run defense was notably better without Brockers on the field down the stretch last year.

Brockers did a stint as a guest host on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" earlier this offseason. While it's hard to go all the way and say he was getting a feel for what he might want to do when his playing career is over, a recent visit with the Tennessee Titans is the only known interest he's had since the Lions cut him in March.

It appears the last two years of tape, notably without Aaron Donald playing next to him on the Rams defensive line, doesn't lie. Not that there was much tape last year, but the Lions taking him off the field completely sent a clear signal to the rest of the league.

Brockers experience and leadership would be an asset to plenty of teams, and he could possibly still be an effective player in the right role on a defensive line. But there's also a solid chance he's just done in the NFL, however abruptly.