The Detroit Lions are dealing with significant changes on the coaching staff this offseason, having lost some of Dan Campbell’s most trusted voices after falling short against the Washington Commanders in the playoffs.
Some assistants are leaving to join Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn’s new respective staffs, while the Lions themselves made the choice to part ways with others.
Defensive line coach Terrell Williams left on his own accord to become the New England Patriots defensive coordinator under Mike Vrabel, though there’s one struggling Lion who needs to get sent to New England along with him. 2023 third-round DT Brodric Martin missed most of the year with an injury but has been ineffective when on the field. Given the upgrades Detroit needs along the line, Martin is a cut candidate going into the offseason.
Lions Need to Cut DT Brodric Martin This Offseason
Even when Martin was healthy, he couldn’t get playing time. He played just 16% of snaps in games he was active in during his rookie campaign, then narrowly improved to 21% this year. With all of the injuries the Lions suffered, this was Martin’s opportunity to prove he wasn’t a draft bust.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out. He recorded just one tackle, grading 186th out of 219 qualified interior defensive linemen at Pro Football Focus. General manager Brad Holmes is a wizard in the draft, routinely finding excellent value in the early and middle rounds. That said, Martin seems to have been a failed selection.
There’s still time for Martin to turn things around. He’s got good size at six-foot-five and 311 pounds, yet the Lions don’t have the luxury of patience to wait for him to develop. Guys like Levi Onwuzurike and DJ Reader are demonstrably better right now and remain under contract. Detroit needs a long-term answer and could invest further in the draft, though Martin hasn’t inspired enough confidence to trust him at this point.
Perhaps a fresh start would be best for all parties. Going to a place like New England that’s staring down a rebuild makes sense, and Vrabel could be the coach who gets the best out of him.
Either way, it’s obvious that Martin’s future shouldn’t be in Detroit.
