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Lions Release Former Second-Round Pick Josh Paschal

Persistent injuries curtailed his impact, leaving Detroit to address depth at defensive end.

Overview

  • Detroit announced the move Wednesday, making Josh Paschal a free agent eligible to sign with any team.
  • Selected 46th overall in 2022, Paschal missed seven games as a rookie, five in 2024, and the entire 2025 season following back surgery, then spent 2026 on the non-football injury list.
  • His contract tolled into the new league year because of the NFI designation before the team proceeded with the release.
  • Under contract at defensive end, the Lions have Aidan Hutchinson, Tyler Lacy and Ahmed Hassanein, while Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad are unrestricted free agents and Tyrus Wheat has rejoined the Cowboys.
  • Paschal departs with 36 games and 18 starts for Detroit, totaling 62 tackles, 5.0 sacks and one forced fumble, after GM Brad Holmes recently said a return was a possibility.