4 Players for Lions to Add after Roster Cuts

Here are four players that were roster cutdown casualties that the Lions should pursue.

With the NFL's roster cutdown deadline having passed, several intriguing players have now become available. 

And remember, the Lions could still afford to add depth at multiple positions, including at running back and wide receiver.

Let's take a look at four players, who were let go by their team, that Brad Holmes & Co. should consider signing. 

RB Kenyan Drake 

The Lions are currently entering the 2023 season with just two running backs: David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. 

It's why Drake, entering his eighth NFL season, could be a worthwhile pickup. 

Drake, a third-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2016, suited up for the Baltimore Ravens a season ago and put together some decent numbers in a part-time role. He ended up amassing 482 yards on 109 carries, good for an average of 4.4 yards per attempt.

He's also averaged 4.5 yards a rush during his lengthy pro career.

To me, he'd be a solid depth piece for Detroit's backfield this upcoming season.  

LB Jaylon Smith

The Lions aren't presently in dire need of another linebacker with their current depth at the position. 

However, of the players cut across the league, Smith is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing names. 

The one-time Pro Bowler racked up north of 120 total tackles in three consecutive seasons (2018-2020 with the Dallas Cowboys). 

His production has fallen off the past two seasons. However, in my opinion, the 28-year-old still has the capability of being a rotational linebacker and a valuable asset in that type of role. 

I wouldn't mind Detroit giving him a role in Aaron Glenn's defense.

CB Desmond King 

I was surprised when I saw King's name appear as one of the Houston Texans' roster cuts. 

While the Lions might not direly need King (since they're now pretty deep at defensive back), he is a Detroit native, having played his high school ball at East English Village. 

Most importantly, though, he's posted some impressive numbers since being drafted by the L.A. Chargers in the fifth round of the 2017 draft. 

A one-time All-Pro selection, King has posted at least two interceptions and six passes defensed the past two seasons with the Texans. And, he also amassed a career-best 10 tackles for loss a season ago. 

I believe the 28-year-old still can play at a high enough level, and I'd be more than glad if Holmes & Co. brought the veteran defensive back to the Motor City.

Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports

WR Jacob Harris

Not as nearly notable of a player as the three names above, Harris, a product of Western Kentucky and Central Florida, is known to be uber athletic, standing in at 6-foot-5, 211 pounds.  

A fourth-round pick of the L.A. Rams in 2021, he posted a highly impressive 4.39 40-yard dash at his UCF pro day, along with a 40.5-inch vertical. 

The one-time tight end didn't work out in Los Angeles, but was given a chance to prove his worth with the Jaguars in training camp this summer. And, he had his moments, including recording an insane 43-yard catch in Jacksonville's preseason opener against Dallas. 

Up to this point, the 26-year-old has recorded just one catch in his NFL career. However, in my opinion it wouldn't hurt for the Lions to take a flyer and stash him on their practice squad for the time being.