The Detroit Lions have been a bunch of big moves ahead of the announcement of their 53-man roster, including letting a bevy of players walk. While losing teammates is always rough, that’s even more so the case when it’s a player who has really become part of the franchise.
But, at the end of the day, a team has to do what’s necessary, and that often means saying farewell to some popular players. One of those players sent packing on Monday, August 25, was the team’s 2023 third-round pick, Hendon Hooker.
Now, the Lions have also announced that they’re parting ways with offensive lineman Dan Skipper. He’s been a reliable backup offensive lineman over the years, and at the end of the 2024 season, Skipper had appeared in 57 games, including 11 starts. Of course, who can forget the Dallas Cowboys game in 2023, when the referees threw out a two-point play because they insisted that Skipper wasn’t the right number. It’s a moment the Detroit Lions will never forget, and they’ll think about it every time they play against the Cowboys.
But, Skipper could surface somewhere again soon. It could even be a big rival in the NFC North.
Dan Skipper Could End Up With the Chicago Bears
Well, the good news is that Lions viewers could see Skipper again soon, but the bad news is that it could be with the Chicago Bears. In a piece published on Tuesday, August 26, Candace Pedraza of SideLion Report makes the case for the Chicago Bears easily wanting Skipper.
“One team that does make a ton of sense for him, unfortunately, is the Chicago Bears,” Pedraza states in the piece. “The Bears’ depth at left tackle right now is not super inspiring, especially if you’re unmoved by the team appearing ready to start the season with just Ozzy Trapilo backing up their starter, Braxton Jones. Jones is an excellent pass protector and run blocker, having only allowed two hits last season.”
He adds that “Trapilo is an unproven rookie, and he’d be called upon if any injuries were to stop Jones from suiting up.” Plus, Jones is just now coming back after a surgery, so he’s still a bit of an unknown.
Now, there’s the chance that Skipper could come back to the Detroit Lions. The team could have released him in hopes of having him sign a new, cheaper deal with the team. However, “if Skipper is genuinely available, it’d be foolish for Ben Johnson to not kick the tires on his former tackle,” Pedraza notes.
Detroit Lions Quarterback Talk
As for who could replace the just-released Hooker, in a piece published on Monday, August 25, Joseph Grassano of Detroit Jock City says the Lions should consider signing rookie QB Kyle McCord, who was recently cut from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Grassano says that “McCord would be a good addition for Detroit. The 22-year-old is a pocket passing quarterback with average mobility and a strong enough arm. After transferring from Ohio State to Syracuse for his senior season, McCord threw for 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.”
So, the Lions roster for the 2025-26 season could look very different. Bring it on.
