Lions Expected to Surprisingly Cut Theo Riddick

Throwing the backfield into flux at the start of camp, the Detroit Lions have reportedly made a very surprising move Saturday by cutting running back Theo Riddick.

This comes just hours after the team opted to improve the defensive side of the ball instead by inking former Green Bay Packer Mike Daniels.

Sources: The #Lions are releasing RB Theo Riddick. A bit of a surprise.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2019

Riddick has been a very productive offensive player in recent years. Over the last five seasons, no other running back has put up five consecutive seasons with 300 or more receiving yards.

However, elusiveness and allure doesn't stop you from becoming a cap casualty; Detroit will now save $3.7 million by shedding Riddick now.

The Lions have cut Theo Riddick, saving $3.7 million in cap space https://t.co/Gh4g0HylHM pic.twitter.com/w4HBX5inFh
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) July 27, 2019

Despite his obvious strengths, there remain areas where he simply cannot contribute, and it's fair to question the durability of an aging back who relies on agility.

Theo Riddick is a logical casualty for the Lions. Tough to pay a No. 3 RB that much when he doesn't do anything on special teams. He can help another team looking for a slot receiver playing RB, he's very good in the red zone
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) July 27, 2019

This is not to mention, of course, that Riddick was already slotted behind Kerryon Johnson and C.J. Anderson on their depth chart.

Now, Riddick will be a free agent, and plenty of RB-needy teams will definitely line up for his services (doesn't this feel like a Niners move?). Plenty of run-and-gun offenses will be able to slot in a dual threat like Riddick in their backfield.