As the Detroit Lions wrap up training camp and prepare for final roster cutdowns next Tuesday, the front office faces some tough decisions. Each year, certain fringe players get released with the hope that they’ll clear waivers and return to the practice squad. But it doesn’t always work out that way.
Last season, the Lions lost wide receiver Isaiah Williams after he impressed during preseason and was snatched up by the Bengals immediately after being cut. That situation might repeat itself in 2025, and Detroit could lose out on some young talent if they’re not careful. Here are three players the Lions probably can’t afford to cut if they hope to keep them in the building.
**1. WR Jackson Meeks**
Jackson Meeks has turned heads throughout the preseason, and it’s easy to see why he’s drawing comparisons to Isaiah Williams from last year. Like Williams, Meeks has made big plays, shown consistency, and looked like a player ready for a bigger role — whether in Detroit or elsewhere.
The Lions are already crowded at receiver, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and rookie Isaac TeSlaa likely commanding roster spots. That logjam could make Meeks expendable, but doing so would be risky. Several teams around the league are hungry for wide receiver depth, and Meeks’ preseason tape is good enough that he could get claimed off waivers quickly.
Even if he’s not claimed, the possibility of him signing to another team’s practice squad where there may be a clearer path to the active roster — could make it hard to retain him. If the Lions like Meeks and believe in his development, they may need to find room for him on the 53-man roster now.
**2. EDGE Nate Lynn**
Nate Lynn may be flying under the national radar, but Lions fans and likely the coaching staff know what he brings. The rookie edge rusher has consistently flashed in preseason action, and his relentless motor and ability to pressure the quarterback make him an intriguing depth piece.
If Detroit gets healthier at the position and players like Za’Darius Smith or Isaac Ukwu take precedence, Lynn could be in danger of being a roster casualty simply due to the numbers game. But that could prove costly.
Edge rushers are always in demand, and a player like Lynn, who has shown upside and could easily fit into a rotational role on many NFL defenses, probably won’t clear waivers. While Lynn may not be a household name yet, cutting him would be a gamble the Lions may not want to take.
**3. QB Hendon Hooker**
The idea that Hendon Hooker could quietly slide through waivers is wishful thinking. Yes, he’s had an up-and-down summer, and no, he hasn’t looked like a surefire starter just yet. But in the NFL, potential always draws interest — especially at quarterback.
Hooker was a highly regarded prospect coming out of college, and despite the mental aspects of the game he still needs to polish, his arm talent and mobility are enough for another team to take a chance. Teams have rostered far less promising QBs Nathan Peterman still finds work, after all.
Cutting Hooker would almost certainly lead to him being claimed, especially by a team looking for a developmental backup or future starter. The Lions would be hard-pressed to justify losing him for nothing after spending time and resources on his development.
**Final Thoughts**
The Lions are closer than they’ve been in years to building a complete, playoff-caliber roster. That makes roster cuts even more difficult, as young, talented players are squeezed out by positional depth. But if Detroit isn’t careful, letting go of players like Jackson Meeks, Nate Lynn, or Hendon Hooker could come back to haunt them.
With just days remaining before final decisions are made, the Lions’ staff will need to balance potential, performance, and roster constraints — or risk watching promising talent make an impact elsewhere.