3 recently added Detroit Lions who are already cut candidates

2. LB Ben Niemann

Niemann was added to the Lions' roster about a month ago (June 10), with undrafted rookie linebacker Steele Chambers waived in the corresponding move.

Niemann brings experience with him (86 games over six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos), which could be important to the Lions after they lost linebacker and core special teamer Anthony Pittman in free agency this offseason.

Niemann may have also come with a couple endorsements. Broncos head coach (and Dan Campbell mentor) Sean Payton may have spoke well of him. Niemann also spent last preseason with the Tennessee Titans, where new Lions' defensive line coach Terrell Williams was.

The Lions have five linebackers who are locks for the 53-man roster barring a serious injury, or maybe a trade in at least one case (Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin). The question becomes if a sixth linebacker is kept on the 53-man roster, which has tentacles in how other position groups shake out when final cuts come.

Niemann's chances to win a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster have never seemed particularly good. Ultimately, if things go the expected way, he could be cut sooner instead of later to give him a better chance to latch on somewhere else.