ROSTER CUT: Detroit Lions Cut Part Ways With Prominent WR

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Lions have released wide receiver Daurice Fountain. Fountain spent all of 2023 on the Lions’ practice squad and was brought back for 2024 after signing a futures deal. Early in training camp, Fountain showed noticeable improvement, earning some time with the first-team offense. However, his performance declined as camp progressed. In the preseason, he managed just two catches for 15 yards on seven targets and had a notable drop in the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the release of Fountain and Donovan Peoples-Jones, the Lions find themselves without a big-bodied receiver to occupy the X role in their offense. Notably, in the entire receiving corps, only Amon-Ra St. Brown (6-foot) and Jameson Williams (6-foot-1) stand over six feet tall.

Despite the release of Daurice Fountain and Donovan Peoples-Jones, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in the offense’s ability to function effectively without a big-bodied receiver on the roster. Campbell emphasized that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is skilled at putting players in positions where they can succeed, stating, “So, no, I wouldn’t say it limits us.”

However, with roster cuts happening around the league, the Lions may still look to add depth at the wide receiver position. Potential fits who have reportedly been cut include former Giants WR Isaiah Hodgins, Panthers WR Terrace Marshall, and Broncos WR Tim Patrick, who is expected to be cut or traded. These players could offer the size and skill set the Lions might find valuable for their receiving corps.