The first roster move of the cutdown period has finally leaked out from the Detroit Lions. Per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are releasing veteran linebacker Anthony Pittman.
Pittman's release was widely projected in most 53-man roster predictions. The Wayne State product was attempting to stick for a sixth season in Detroit, a tenure that began in 2019 as a feel-good story. He did have a brief sojourn in Jacksonville a year ago before the Lions brought Pittman back after the rash of defensive injuries.
Known for his special teams ability more than anything on defense, Pittman clearly fell behind competitors like Zach Cunningham and Trevor Nowaske for the reserve LB roles. He is not subject to waivers, meaning Pittman is free to sign with any team at any time.