Lions Bid Farewell to Key Players in Free Agency
After a string of successful seasons, the Detroit Lions have faced the tough task of determining which players to retain and which would be heading to free agency. As a result, 10 former Lions have moved on to new teams for the 2024 season. Let’s take a closer look at what these players have achieved since leaving the Honolulu Blue and Silver.
DeShon Elliott
Elliott joined the Lions in 2022 on a one-year deal after several seasons with the Ravens. As Detroit’s starting free safety, he had a solid season, posting 96 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. After his stint with the Lions, Elliott signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins before moving to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year contract. In 2024, Elliott is putting up career numbers with 108 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
Jamaal Williams
Williams, who was drafted in the fourth round by Green Bay in 2016, made a splash with the Lions after joining in 2021. His 2022 campaign was historic, as he broke Barry Sanders’ long-standing record of 16 rushing touchdowns, setting a new mark with 17. However, after signing a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, Williams has struggled with injuries and hasn’t managed to replicate his success. Over the past two seasons, he has only scored two touchdowns.
Evan Brown
A journeyman throughout his career, Brown was elevated from the Lions’ practice squad in 2020. He was thrust into the starting center role in 2021 after Frank Ragnow’s season-ending injury, and his performance earned him a re-signing in 2022. In 2023, Brown left for Seattle, where he won the starting job before making his way to the Arizona Cardinals, where he currently plays.
Chris Board
A former undrafted linebacker, Board joined the Lions in his fifth season and made a modest impact with 21 tackles and a forced fumble. After leaving Detroit, he signed with the New England Patriots before returning to his original team, the Baltimore Ravens.
Austin Bryant
Bryant, drafted in the fourth round by Detroit after a successful college career at Clemson, showed promise early on but never fully lived up to expectations with the Lions. Following four seasons in Detroit, Bryant joined the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, his time with the Niners was brief, appearing in only two games, and he hasn’t been on an NFL roster since.
Mike Hughes
Drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, Hughes joined the Lions in 2022 after a strong season with the Kansas City Chiefs. During his single season in Detroit, Hughes tallied 51 tackles. He later signed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he earned the starting cornerback spot in 2024.
Amani Oruwariye
Drafted in 2019, Oruwariye spent several seasons in Detroit, with his peak performance coming in 2021 when he recorded 57 tackles, one fumble recovery, and six interceptions. After a quiet couple of years, he bounced between practice squads before signing with the Dallas Cowboys for the 2024 season.
Josh Woods
Woods, who went undrafted, started his career with the Chicago Bears before joining Detroit in 2021. His time with the Lions was largely uneventful, and he left for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. That season, Woods had a breakout year with 61 tackles and one forced fumble. Currently, he plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
DJ Chark
Chark, a second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018, earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2019. After a solid one-year stint with the Lions in 2022, where he racked up 502 yards and three touchdowns, Chark moved on to the Carolina Panthers and later the Los Angeles Chargers, continuing his NFL journey.
C.J. Garner-Johnson
Arguably the most talked-about free agent departure, C.J. Garner-Johnson’s brief time with the Lions in 2023 was marked by disappointment. After a stellar 2022 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he shared the interception lead, his 2023 campaign was marred by injuries, limiting him to just three games with Detroit. After leaving the Lions, Garner-Johnson returned to Philadelphia, where he regained his form, finishing the 2024 season with 59 tackles, one forced fumble, six interceptions, and a Super Bowl ring.
As we continue to follow the developments of these players, it’s clear that their careers are taking various paths, from successes to struggles. We’ll keep you updated on their progress throughout the season.
