Seriously, did anyone else see this coming? Releasing veteran wide receiver Greg Dortch was the absolute jaw-dropper from the Detroit Lions as they locked down their 53-player roster for the 2026 NFL season. Every reporter, including ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, is scratching their head wondering what just went down. This wasn’t some bubble guy; Dortch was basically etched into the lineup, and now he’s gone. What in the world, Lions?!
Dortch Was About to Do EVERYTHING!
Woodyard wasn’t messing around: Dortch was a “veteran receiver” coming into his first year in Detroit and he “seemed to be a lock to make the team.” We’re not talking about just making the squad, either. The guy was “solid” all through training camp. He was legit “set to contribute as the No. 4 receiver” in the offense, which is huge depth. But wait, there’s more! He was also “poised to contribute…on special teams as the punt returner.” Think about that for a second. Your projected fourth wideout AND your primary punt returner, just… cut? Most teams would be doing backflips to have a guy with that kind of value. It’s not just surprising; it’s honestly a baffling decision.
Petzing’s Guy, Raymond’s Replacement, All Gone?!
The plot thickens with the connections. Dortch wasn’t just some random new face; he had history with the new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing. They were tight, having spent “a few seasons” together with the Cardinals. You’d think Petzing would be pounding the table to keep his guy. The source even says it “would’ve made sense for Petzing to lobby to keep Dortch.” Beyond that, Dortch was gearing up to replace Kalif Raymond, who bolted for the Chicago Bears this offseason. Dortch was “slated to take over” Raymond’s spot, slotting in right behind Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, with Isaac TeSlaa also in the mix. He was filling a critical vacancy! This isn’t just a simple cut; it ignores established relationships and a clear need.
What Are They Even Thinking By Risking Him?!
So, instead of a solid veteran who was a WR4, a punt returner, had OC ties, and filled a void, the Lions opted to keep Tay Martin and Tom Kennedy on their 53-man roster. No offense to those guys, but Woodyard straight-up said “neither is more valuable than what Dortch could provide this season.” That’s the brutal truth right there. The Lions made a “strange decision” by risking Dortch potentially getting snagged on waivers or in free agency. Why take that chance? Was there some secret reason? Because on the surface, this move feels like a total unforced error.
Seriously, the wide receiver room in Detroit is going to be wild to watch unfold. The Lions *could* totally make more moves, maybe even try to bring Dortch back if he clears waivers. But to cut a guy who was a lock, filled multiple roles, and had coaching connections just feels like a massive, unnecessary gamble. Here’s hoping it doesn’t bite them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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