Three Detroit Lions Players Who May Not Make the Roster When Training Camp Starts

Detroit’s offseason has been a whirlwind—free‑agent signings, a big draft haul and a coaching staff that’s still figuring out its identity. All of that makes the first roster cut a little more tense than usual, especially for the players sitting on the bubble.

First up is defensive end Jordan Elliott. The third‑round pick from 2022 showed flashes of promise, but his sack numbers have slipped and he’s struggled to stay healthy. The Lions’ new defensive coordinator loves speed off the edge, and Elliott’s slightly slower first step has coaches questioning whether he fits the scheme. He’s still got a shot if he can show improvement in pass‑rush drills, but the margin for error is razor‑thin.

Next, look at safety Nathan Shultz. He’s a special‑teams ace, no doubt, and his tackling is solid, but the Lions have added two younger safeties in the draft and free agency. Shultz’s experience could be valuable, yet the front office is leaning toward youth and upside. If he can prove he’s more than a snap‑count player—maybe by nabbing an interception in preseason—that could swing the vote in his favor.

Finally, there’s running back Victor Jones. After a respectable rookie season, Jones has seen his touches dwindle with the emergence of a new backfield depth chart. The Lions’ offense is shifting toward a more pass‑heavy approach, and Jones’s skill set is rooted in power running. He’ll need to show versatility—perhaps as a receiver out of the backfield—to convince the coaches he still belongs.

All three players share one thing in common: they’re good enough to be in the conversation, yet the margins that separate a roster spot from a practice‑squad assignment are razor‑thin. The coming weeks of OTAs and preseason games will be their proving ground. For Lions fans, it’s a reminder that the roster you see on paper is never set in stone until the first practice whistle blows.