Reactions to Lions Releasing Damon "Snacks" Harrison

Lions are releasing Damon "Snacks" Harrison following an injury-riddled 2019 season

It was rumored Thursday evening, and then later confirmed by both Benjamin Allbright of KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM (Colorado) and Adam Schefter of ESPN that the Lions will be releasing veteran defensive tackle Damon Harrison this offseason.

Logan Lamorandier of Lionlowdown.com writes, "Detroit will save $6.75 million after Harrison’s release. That sounds great, but he will also leave $5 million of dead cap space — which is $5 million more than if the Lions didn’t give him an unusual contract extension with two years left on his deal back in August."

Detroit will now be tasked with replacing a significant portion of its defensive line, as the team could also move on from Mike Daniels and A’Shawn Robinson.

Can confirm.

Retirement remains a possibility, will see how he feels and how market shapes up. https://t.co/QKEYf2KX1L

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 20, 2020

Lions are releasing DT Damon “Snacks” Harrison, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2020

Harrison was traded to the Lions during the 2018 season by the New York Giants. 

His impact on the Lions' defense was felt almost immediately along the defensive line. Detroit's run-blocking instantly improved once Harrison arrived. 

Unfortunately, a season ago, he was unable to replicate his early success in Detroit. 

He struggled with injuries throughout 2019, and expressed that he was seriously considering his options following a disappointing campaign. 

The toll of playing hurt caught up with Harrison, who had to wipe away tears on several occasions during his talk with reporters following Detroit's season-ending loss to Green Bay.

"My mind is saying yes, but my body is saying no," Harrison said in reference to the possibility of him returning for 2020.

Harrison was clearly bothered this season by his subpar performance, and expressed that the organization deserved better.

"(I) wasn't able to get back to the form that I am used to," Harrison said. "I got too much pride, man. So, if I can't be the player that I am used to being, I think my teammates deserve better, my family deserves better. I never cheated the game a day in my life." 

Fans took to Twitter following the news that Harrison would no longer be part of the Lions going forward.

Here are some of their reactions:

Life as a lions fan pic.twitter.com/u6SqU7RLEc

— Detroit Drew (@DetroitDrew101) February 21, 2020

Lions so stupid lol

— ES7M (@billybands) February 21, 2020

Sad but he did say himself it wasn’t his best year and that he was contemplating retirement. Wish you the best @snacks

— Don Reubio (@Reubbb) February 21, 2020

pic.twitter.com/Ilryb7OYsZ

— Jake Nelson (@jake_nelson12) February 21, 2020

Damn 😔

— Potato Brad (@PotatoBrab) February 21, 2020

SOL... New contract and he wants out

— Greg Konchal (@glk8295) February 21, 2020