Lions Move On: Waive Former Seventh-Round Pick as Roster Adjustments Continue
In a move signaling the ongoing evolution of their roster following the recent NFL Draft and subsequent undrafted free agent signings, the Detroit Lions have waived wide receiver Antoine Green. Green, a seventh-round selection by the team in the 2023 NFL Draft, now finds himself looking for a new opportunity as the Lions navigate their offseason preparations for the 2025 season.
The decision to waive Green comes as the Lions were facing a numbers crunch on their roster. Following the 2025 NFL Draft, where Detroit added seven new players, and the reported agreements with eleven undrafted free agents, the team’s roster swelled to 91 players, exceeding the 90-man limit allowed during the offseason. This necessitated making tough choices to trim the roster down to the required size.
Green’s journey with the Lions has been a somewhat tumultuous one, marked by flashes of potential but ultimately hindered by injury. The former North Carolina standout initially impressed during his first training camp in 2023, showcasing his receiving skills and earning a spot on the active roster. He went on to appear in nine regular-season games as a rookie, primarily contributing on special teams and recording one reception for two yards.
However, the 2024 preseason proved to be a setback for Green. In the Lions’ first preseason game, he suffered a concussion that ultimately led to him being waived with an injury settlement shortly thereafter. After going unclaimed on waivers, Green reverted to the Lions’ injured reserve list and remained there for the entirety of the 2024 season.
He was brought back by the team this offseason, providing another opportunity to compete for a role in the receiving corps. However, the Lions’ actions in the 2025 NFL Draft significantly altered the landscape of their wide receiver room. Detroit used two of their draft picks on receivers, selecting Arkansas’ Isaac TeSlaa in the third round and Georgia’s Dominic Lovett in the seventh round. Additionally, the team added further competition by signing undrafted free agent receivers Jackson Meeks from Syracuse and Jakobie Keeney-James from Massachusetts.
These additions bolster a receiving group already headlined by Pro Bowl talent Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has consistently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in the past three seasons. Jameson Williams, who had his first 1,000-yard season in 2024, is also expected to be a key contributor for the Lions. Veteran receivers Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond further solidify the depth of the unit. With this influx of talent, the path to a roster spot for Green became increasingly challenging.
Lions General Manager Brad Holmes had previously acknowledged Green’s potential, noting that he was beginning to show significant growth before his injury in the 2024 preseason. The team’s decision to initially keep him on the roster in 2023 as a seventh-round pick also indicated their belief in his abilities. However, in the NFL, roster spots are highly competitive, and teams must make difficult choices based on current needs and future projections.
The waiving of a former draft pick, especially one who showed promise, underscores the high stakes and constant turnover within NFL rosters. Seventh-round picks, while offering potential upside, face an uphill battle to secure long-term roles in the league. Historically, the success rate for seventh-round selections in becoming consistent starters is relatively low across all positions. For wide receivers specifically, the odds of a seventh-round pick developing into a significant contributor can be particularly challenging given the depth and talent often found at the position.
The Detroit Lions’ current wide receiver roster appears to be taking shape with St. Brown and Williams as the clear top options. Patrick and Raymond provide experienced depth, while the newly drafted TeSlaa and Lovett, along with the undrafted free agents, will have the opportunity to prove their worth during training camp and the preseason. The Lions also have Tom Kennedy in their receiving corps.
For Antoine Green, the waiver by the Lions marks a new chapter in his NFL journey. He will now enter the waiver wire process, where other teams will have the opportunity to claim his contract. If he goes unclaimed, he will become a free agent, allowing him to sign with any team that offers him a spot. Green’s prior experience in the Lions’ system and the glimpses of his potential could make him an intriguing prospect for other teams looking for receiver depth.
The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, will continue to evaluate their roster as they head towards training camp. The moves made following the draft are indicative of their commitment to building a competitive team for the 2025 season. The emergence of young talent through the draft and undrafted free agency can often lead to the departure of players who were once considered part of the team’s future, highlighting the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional football.
