Breaking: The Detroit Lions have added WR/RET Maurice Alexander to their practice squad and waived LB David Long.

Breaking News: Detroit Lions Waive LB David Long, Re-Sign WR/RET Maurice Alexander to Practice Squad

The Detroit Lions have made a key roster move ahead of the critical final stretch of the 2024 NFL season, waiving linebacker David Long and re-signing wide receiver and return specialist Maurice Alexander to their practice squad. This transaction has raised eyebrows in the football world, and its implications could be significant for both the team’s depth chart and playoff aspirations as they navigate a tight postseason race.

In this article, we’ll break down the reasons behind this roster move, examine the potential impact on the Lions’ linebacker and special teams units, and analyze what this change means for the team moving forward. The Lions have been trending upward in recent years, with significant improvements in their defense and special teams. This latest move may very well be a strategic decision designed to bolster their chances of success as they push for the playoffs.

The David Long Waiver: A Shift in the Linebacker Room

The decision to waive David Long comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts who have followed the Lions’ linebacker corps closely. Long, who was originally signed by Detroit in 2023, had been viewed as a promising depth piece for the Lions’ defense, offering both speed and versatility. Although he was primarily used in rotational roles, Long’s potential had not gone unnoticed. His athleticism and instincts made him a player who could cover a lot of ground, an asset in today’s NFL, where linebackers are expected to excel in coverage as well as in stopping the run.

However, despite Long’s physical traits, his time on the field this season had been limited. The linebacker position is one of the most competitive on the team, with several established players ahead of him on the depth chart. Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes have been the Lions’ primary linebackers, and while Long had moments of promise, his role had diminished over the course of the season.

The decision to waive Long could be attributed to a few key factors:

1. Depth and Performance at Linebacker: With the healthy return of some key players, the Lions’ linebacker room has become crowded. Jack Campbell, the team’s first-round draft pick, has shown potential and has become an increasingly important piece of the defense, while veterans like Anzalone and Barnes provide leadership and stability. As a result, Long may have become a casualty of numbers, particularly if the coaching staff feels that his contributions do not outweigh the impact of other players.
2. Special Teams Considerations: Linebackers in today’s NFL are not only expected to perform on defense but also contribute to special teams. While Long has been a solid contributor, the Lions may have decided that their special teams depth could be strengthened with other players. If Long was not contributing significantly on special teams, it may have made him expendable.
3. Team Strategy and Roster Flexibility: The Lions could be looking to create roster flexibility to make additional moves as the season winds down. Waiving Long opens up a spot for another player—whether it’s for special teams, more receiving depth, or a player who can contribute in a different capacity.

Maurice Alexander’s Return to the Practice Squad

On the other side of this transaction, Maurice Alexander returns to the practice squad after a brief absence. Alexander, a wide receiver and return specialist, has had a somewhat tumultuous journey with the Lions. After initially making the roster as a receiver and returner in previous seasons, Alexander had been waived during roster cuts earlier in the season, only to return to the practice squad once again.

For Alexander, this move represents another opportunity to earn his way back onto the active roster, and it speaks to the Lions’ continued belief in his ability to contribute, particularly on special teams.

Maurice Alexander’s Role:

1. Return Specialist: Alexander is primarily known for his return abilities. His speed and vision have made him a valuable asset as a punt and kick returner. As the Lions’ special teams unit continues to evolve and improve, Alexander’s role in this area could become increasingly important. With his return capabilities, Alexander provides Detroit with a player who can change the course of a game with one explosive play. Given the importance of special teams in close games, this skill set is invaluable to a team trying to gain an edge over their opponents, especially in high-pressure situations.
2. Wide Receiver Depth: While Alexander’s primary role has been as a returner, he also provides additional depth at the wide receiver position. The Lions have a solid group of wideouts, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and Jameson Williams, but depth is always an important consideration. Alexander’s presence on the practice squad gives the team the flexibility to elevate him should an injury occur, or if they need an additional receiving threat or speed element on the field.
3. Special Teams Contribution: While Long’s potential had not fully materialized as a special teams contributor, Alexander brings a level of experience and explosiveness that could benefit the Lions’ special teams unit. Special teams often make the difference between winning and losing, especially in close games, and Alexander’s return could provide the Lions with an advantage in this area.

By re-signing Alexander to the practice squad, the Lions add a reliable and dynamic player who can provide both special teams and offensive depth. His speed, athleticism, and experience as a returner make him a valuable asset for a team looking to solidify all areas of its roster heading into the postseason.

Impact on the Lions’ Linebacker and Special Teams Units

The waiver of David Long and re-signing of Maurice Alexander could have several implications for the Lions’ defense and special teams. Let’s take a closer look at the potential impact:

1. Linebacker Depth:

With Long now waived, the Lions will need to rely on their top linebackers—Anzalone, Campbell, and Barnes—along with any other players they may decide to elevate from the practice squad. This could potentially put more pressure on the starters to remain healthy and perform at a high level. However, the Lions have shown a willingness to mix up their personnel packages and rotate players, which could give the team flexibility to make sure they don’t overwork their key players.

The linebacker position is still one of the most important positions for the Lions, especially with the emergence of Aidan Hutchinson and the improved performance of the defensive front. While Long may not have been a star player for Detroit, his absence may increase the workload for the remaining linebackers, and the team will need to be strategic in terms of managing their health and production.

2. Special Teams Advantage:

The Lions’ special teams unit has been solid but could always use improvement, especially in terms of return game. With Maurice Alexander now back in the fold, Detroit’s special teams may get a much-needed boost. Alexander’s ability to break off explosive returns and flip field position is a valuable asset that could make a real difference in tight games. His presence on the roster is also an indicator that the Lions are prioritizing special teams in their strategy moving forward.

Special teams play a pivotal role in determining field position, and with a player like Alexander, the Lions can expect more explosive plays and better opportunities for their offense. His re-signing should also provide added competition within the special teams unit, pushing others to elevate their play as well.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Lions?

As the Lions push for a playoff berth and attempt to secure a strong position in the NFC, every roster decision becomes more critical. The move to waive David Long and re-sign Maurice Alexander reflects the Lions’ focus on improving their special teams unit, adding depth to their receiving corps, and continuing to build a well-rounded roster.

For Long, this waiver may not be the end of his NFL career, but it does signal a shift in priorities for the Lions’ roster. He could potentially be claimed by another team in need of linebacker depth or could return to the Lions at a later date if needed. On the other hand, Alexander’s return to the practice squad gives the Lions additional options in the event of injuries or other roster adjustments.

The Lions’ strategy of fine-tuning their roster as the season winds down could pay dividends as they prepare for the postseason. The team’s balanced attack on offense and defense, combined with improvements on special teams, makes them a dangerous contender. By making these roster moves, the Lions are ensuring they have the necessary depth to make a deep playoff run and potentially compete for a Super Bowl.