The Lions have had their troubles in the secondary in recent years, but that didn’t create enough room for former Vikings second-round pick Tyrell Johnson on the 53-man roster they set on Saturday.
Johnson was selected by the Vikings in the 2008 draft, but he was largely a disappointment in his four years in Minnesota. He spent time with the Dolphins last summer, but didn’t make the team and wound up signing with the Lions at the tail end of last season. The Lions have John Wendling and Don Carey at safety behind Louis Delmas and Glover Quin.
As previously reported, the Lions parted ways with another safety on Saturday when they cut Amari Spievey. They also parted ways with cornerbacks Chris Greenwood and Ron Bartell among nine moves that leaked out ahead of the team’s official announcement.
The Lions also cut linebacker Chris White, acquired in a trade with Buffalo for quarterback Thad Lewis earlier this month. Veteran offensive lineman Jake Scott and defensive lineman Andre Fluellen were also among the cuts. Wide receiver Matt Willis, running back Steven Miller, running back Shaun Chapas, offensive lineman Rodney Austin, defensive lineman Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, defensive lineman Ogemdi Nwagbuo, defensive lineman Xavier Proctor and punter Blake Clingan were the other players let go on Saturday. Tight end Michael Williams was placed on injured reserve.