Lions insider legitimately ‘stunned’ by 1 major roster cut

The Detroit Lions faced some tough choices on cutdown day this season. Detroit will enter Week 1 without a few of their defensive starters, including Kerby Joseph who on the PUP list. But one move on the offensive side of the ball was clearly jarring for one Lions insider.

ESPN’s Eric Woodyard seemed completely shocked that Detroit released receiver Greg Dortch on cutdown day. In fact, he called it Detroit’s biggest move from the team’s wave of transactions on Sunday.

“It was surprising to see the Lions release Greg Dortch, a veteran receiver who was entering his first season in Detroit and seemed to be a lock to make the team,” Woodyard wrote. “Dortch was solid throughout training camp and appeared set to contribute as the No. 4 receiver and on special teams as the punt returner. He also had experience with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing after spending the past few seasons with the coach in Arizona.”

The Lions signed Dortch to a one-year contract during NFL free agency. Petzing’s familiarity with Dortch made it seem like his roster spot was safe. Instead, he lost his WR4 and return specialist duties to veteran Tay Martin.

“Dortch was expected to replace former Lions receiver Kalif Raymond, who signed with the Chicago Bears after five seasons in Detroit, so the move to part ways was stunning,” Woodyard concluded.

The veteran wide receiver thrived in Arizona in 2025 in that exact same role. He logged 29 receptions for 206 receiving yards and three touchdowns on top of his return production.

Meanwhile, Martin has not made much of an impact during the past two NFL seasons. He has yet to actually return a kick or punt during the regular season. But the Lions were clearly convinced of his abilities during training camp and the preseason.

It will be fascinating to watch how Martin performs during the regular season.

Detroit opens the regular season with a home game against New Orleans. That contest kicks off at 1PM ET on September 13th from Ford Field.

The post Lions insider legitimately ‘stunned’ by 1 major roster cut appeared first on ClutchPoints.