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2 Lions Veterans Who Could Be Surprise Roster Cuts
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- 2 Lions Veterans Who Could Be Surprise Roster Cuts
(Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK)
With training camp just around the corner, all eyes will be on the rookies, veterans and position battles as the Detroit Lions begin shaping their roster for the 2026 season.
The NFL has adjusted this year's roster deadline, requiring all teams to trim their rosters to 53 players by Sunday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. ET, one of the earliest cutdown deadlines in recent years. Detroit will be in a unique situation, as its final preseason game is scheduled for Aug. 29, leaving the coaching staff less than 24 hours to make some of the toughest roster decisions of the offseason.
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While several veterans are expected to play significant roles this season, not everyone with NFL experience is guaranteed a roster spot. With a talented rookie class and increased competition across the depth chart, a few familiar faces could find themselves on the outside looking in. Two veterans who stand out as potential cut candidates are wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. and offensive lineman Ben Bartch .
Wilson signed with Detroit later in free agency after many of the top available receivers had already found new homes. He impressed during organized team activities with his reliable hands and veteran presence, but making the final roster will still be a difficult task.
The Lions' top four receiver spots appear to be locked up with Amon-Ra St. Brown , Jameson Williams , Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch all expected to make the team. That leaves Wilson competing for one of the final receiver spots against several younger players who could offer more long-term upside or additional value on special teams.
Detroit has also shown a willingness to keep just five wide receivers on its initial 53-man roster in previous seasons. If the Lions once again decide to carry only five receivers, Wilson's experience may not be enough to outweigh the upside of a younger player or the versatility another receiver brings to special teams.
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Another veteran worth watching is Ben Bartch.
Bartch enters training camp with an opportunity to compete for the starting left guard job, but his outlook is anything but certain. He could emerge as the Week 1 starter, or he could find himself without a roster spot if younger players outperform him throughout camp.
His biggest competition will come from Christian Mahogany and Miles Frazier . Mahogany started 11 games last season missing six games from a fractured ankle and will be looking to build on that experience heading into his second year. While his performance was inconsistent at times, the Lions have invested in his development and will likely give him every opportunity to claim the starting role.
Frazier also remains in the mix after appearing in two games as a rookie. As a recent draft pick in 2025, Detroit may be reluctant to move on from him so early in his career, especially if he shows improvement throughout training camp and the preseason.
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Bartch's versatility and experience certainly work in his favor, but the offensive line is expected to be one of the most competitive position groups on the roster. If he fails to separate himself from the younger competition, he could become one of the Lions' most surprising cuts before the regular season begins.
