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Lions DL Mathieu Betts Waived

Popular defensive lineman does not make initial 53-man roster.

John Maakaron

Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mathieu Betts (95)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Mathieu Betts (95) / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Detroit Lions have made a decision on a popular defensive lineman who made waves in the Canadien Football League.

Mathieu Betts, who recorded 18 sacks in 2023, has not made the team's initial 53-man roster.

The 6'3, 250-pound defensive lineman recorded a career-best 44 tackles, (three for loss), three fumbles and a blocked punt last season.

He became the sixth Canadian to win the league's top defensive player award and the first since Calgary’s Alex Singleton to be honored for his defensive prowess since 2017.

Detroit's coaching staff attempted to assess his versatility, but found he struggled with adapting to the SAM linebacker spot.

Dan Campbell noted Betts had the ability to cover, but his speed slowed down throughout training camp.

The decision was made to take a little off his plate in order to assess his pass rush abilities. He finished the preseason with a 46.4 Pro Football Focus defensive grade and logged two pressures.

Detroit's reserve defensive line unit performed at a high level all throughout training camp, making it that much more difficult to crack the roster.

Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, Brodric Martin and Mekhi Wingo were consistent contributors throughout camp and the three preseason games.

“He really took a big step from where he was when he walked in the building and he’s a pretty good athlete,” head coach Dan Campbell told Emory Hunt. “The kid is a crafty rusher, he’s good with his hands, and it’s early. He’s improved, he’s made a ton of improvement, so we’ll see where it goes.”

Additional reading

1.) NFL Head Coach: Jared Goff Will Not Win 'Big One'

2.) Lions Release WR Daurice Fountain

3.) Detroit Lions Releasing QB Nate Sudfeld

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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