4 Lions players who don't deserve to be back next season, and 2 who do
Based on how the season has gone so far, which players need to stick around, and which need to go?
By Ryan Heckman
The Detroit Lions have a whole lot more to prove this season, as the regular slate is not yet over and they're thinking about a postseason run.
It's been a great season, as a whole, for this Lions team. But, as the year winds down, we can't help but look forward just a bit.
Assessing their free agent class next offseason, we try and identify four players who shouldn't be brought back, along with two who do.
1. Brock Wright, TE
Sam LaPorta has made it easy for fans to forget about T.J. Hockenson, but the depth behind LaPorta could use some help. Brock Wright is a free agent next year and the only thing he's done really well this year is in the pass blocking department. Otherwise, as a run blocker or pass-catcher, Wright has been lackluster.
2. Jonah Jackson, G
In next year's draft, the Lions could look to find an upgrade at guard. Both Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai are free agents, and of the two of them, Vaitai has had a better season and thus should see another second contract in Detroit.
Jackson, though, has struggled in both run and pass blocking. Paying him on a multi-year deal now that his rookie contract is up doesn't seem logical. It's time to upgrade.