Lions Cut Brandon Joseph Following Saturday Morning Arrest

The Detroit Lions cut safety Brandon Joseph on Saturday, and the reason has been revealed.

On Saturday afternoon, the Lions announced several roster changes. The most notable was safety Ifeatu Melifonwu being activated from injured reserve, while running back David Montgomery avoided an IR designation.

One surprising move was waiving Brandon Joseph. The undrafted second-year player had carved out a role on special teams and was the Lions’ third safety behind Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Melifonwu’s activation, while significant, didn’t seem to justify Joseph’s release alone. Additionally, rookie safety Loren Strickland was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.

Other Saturday moves included:

Wide receiver Maurice Alexander was waived.

Defensive lineman David Bada was cut from IR via injury settlement.

Running back Jermar Jefferson was promoted from the practice squad.

Edge rusher Mitchell Agude, defensive lineman Chris Smith, and wide receiver Tom Kennedy were all signed to the active roster.

Joseph Waived After Arrest

SI.com’s John Maakaron first reported the arrest, with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press adding further details. Joseph was arrested early Saturday morning in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, on suspicion of operating under the influence.

According to Birkett, Dearborn Heights Police Director Paul Vanderplow stated Joseph was pulled over for speeding on Michigan Avenue around 1:47 a.m. He was taken into custody for a few hours before being released. While Joseph exceeded the speed limit, Vanderplow noted it was not excessive.

” Joseph was cooperative and respectful,” Vanderplow said. “He completed all tests, and further analysis is required before charges can proceed, as with any OUI case. He will undergo the same legal process as others.”

Vanderplow could not confirm whether Joseph took a breathalyzer test but indicated a blood draw was conducted.

Both Maakaron and Birkett reported that the Lions declined to comment, with a team spokesperson simply confirming Joseph was no longer with the organization.

The Lions have consistently enforced a zero-tolerance policy regarding players facing legal issues. Given this stance, Joseph’s swift release was not unexpected.