Lions to release LB Devon Kennard if a trade doesn't occur

[D6]

Detroit Lions reportedly moving on from top returning linebacker Devon Kennard

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This new thread is a continuation of the following thread:

Devon Kennard quotes/ info: 2019 season

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/194/devon-kennard-quotes-info-season

This new thread relates to the following thread:

Lions reach 3 yr deal with LB Jamie Collins ( UFA-Patriots )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/623/lions-reach-jamie-collins-patriots


I have mixed opinion on the Lions decision to likely release Devon Kennard. I'll be pleasantly surprised if the Lions get anything more than an exchange of late Round picks for Kennard.

From the standpoint of performance expectation, the decision for the Lions to move on from Kennard makes sense. Kennard is a high effort player who doesn't have anything close to great natural physical ability. With the expectation of Jamie Collins getting a high # of edge rush LB snaps, at least a solid case can be made that the Lions can use the freed up salary cap space better than keeping Kennard.

The main concern I have with the Lions discarding Devon Kennard is his excellent leadership and overall intangibles. That's not going to be easy to replace. Related to this is it sends a message to the other Lions players and Free Agents around the NFL that even being a team player and a leader with the Lions, with pretty good production, can still lead to the Lions releasing that player. The Lions are clearly using a version of the 'Patriot Way'. Until the Lions win with some consistency, I have plenty of doubts that this ultra business non human approach is going to be successful.

[D6]

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Devon Kennard is a class act!

I wish him the best except against the Lions.

[D6]

Detroit Lions release LB Devon Kennard to make room for Jamie Collins

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It's possible but unlikely that Devon Kennard could re-sign with the Lions at a lower price later this off-season or in the summer. I think there will be some interest in Kennard from other teams. But I doubt he will get a contract close to what the Lions gave him in 2018.