After three unproductive campaigns with the Detroit Lions, they could cut former second round bust Josh Paschal before the 2025 regular season begins. According to Bleacher Report, they believe the Lions could move on even though he was a key contributor in the wake of Aidan Hutchinson’s injury last year. Paschal tried to step in as a capable defender for 11 straight games, but he’s been nothing but average. Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Kentucky product is reportedly not expected to return to the lineup until September, which could complicate his future in Detroit and the team’s next steps, given that he’s in his final year of his contract.
The Lions could let him play out his rookie deal, but it might be smarter for the team to release him to make room for another potential talent. The team is still eyeing veteran Za’Darius Smith despite releasing him earlier this offseason, so if they decide to bring him in, this could put the icing on the cake for Paschal’s backup job behind Hutchinson, as there won’t be much room for him to grow. They could release him before the 2025 campaign starts and put him on the practice squad until he’s ready to be on the 53-man roster or the Lions get hit with an injury bug again. However, these teams could intervene and sign Paschal in a possible situation if he becomes available.
Report: Former Lions Second Round Bust Josh Paschal Could Be Cut – 4 Possible Destinations
Potential Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
As much as the Baltimore Ravens have been on defense, it hasn’t been the same this past 2024 campaign. After losing Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone, they need some type of new life to bolster the trenches, at least to give their linebackers a chance to ram the gaps and get after the quarterback. Between Broderick Washington, Travis Jones and Nnamdi Madubuike, they have one of the worst defensive lines as it’s nothing but average. Paschal won’t do much, but a team like the Ravens could reignite his career.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints were able to invest in the defensive line after signing Jonathan Bullard and trading for Davon Godchaux. However, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t target another defensive trench talent. The Saints will probably have a rebuilding offense that might not do much, so it makes sense to bolster the defense to give them a fighting chance to win games. Paschal could help Khalen Saunders as a rotational defensive end.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of a revamp along the defensive trenches. If this is what Jim Harbaugh wants, then he should add a lot of talent on defense, which he hasn’t done other than signing a journeyman like Da’Shawn Hand. Teair Tart won’t save this roster anymore that Poona Ford left for the Rams. Paschal won’t be a major upgrade, but it’s better than what they have.
Carolina Panthers
After rebuilding an offense for the Carolina Panthers, the team was able to build a strong, physical defense to win most of their matchups and give Bryce Young plenty of chances to stay on the field. Between Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown and Tre’Von Moehrig, the Panthers could use one more depth fill like Paschal to give standout Derrick Brown the best chance to get after the quarterback.
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