If you had told any Detroit Lions fan or media member at any point this offseason that the team would part ways with veteran offensive tackle Dan Skipper at the roster cutdown deadline, they would have called you crazy.
After all, Skipper was slated to be the team's primary backup tackle on both sides of the line ahead of the start of the regular season. In fact, he was even listed as the top backup to left tackle Taylor Decker on the depth chart and there wasn't anyone who seemed to be challenging him for right tackle, either.
So when news broke that the Lions informed Decker he was going to be released, it came as a shock to everyone.
So, what's behind the surprising decision to cut Skipper? Let's see what Lions beat writers are saying about it.
Why are Lions releasing Dan Skipper?
It's hard to say for sure why the Lions are releasing Skipper, especially this early in the process. However, some Lions beat writers have offered possible explanations.
Pride of Detroit's Eric Schlitt listed four possible reasons:
Re Skipper release, I see 4 possibilities:
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) August 25, 2025
- They believe Manu is ahead
- They are keeping Jamarco Jones
- This is roster gymnastics to get a third player to IR/Return
- There could be a trade coming https://t.co/iF6p8THCyS
Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman also speculated that Jamarco Jones is a possible reason why Skipper was cut loose, but he was still surprised by Skipper's release.
"Had heard some rumors that the Lions were intrigued by Jamarco Jones, but still didn't see the Dan Skipper cut coming," Reisman wrote.
Detroit Football Network's Justin Rogers is skeptical about Jones being the reason for Skipper's ouster, and he doesn't feel Manu is ready for a bigger role, either.
RELATED: Detroit Lions 53-man roster cuts tracker
"I'm as surprised as anyone by Skipper's release. He filled in for Decker, flashed typical swing tackle versatility. I like Jamarco Jones, too, but he had a lot of minor things that knocked him out of practices this offseason, and I'd be lying if I said I thought Manu was ready," Rogers wrote.
The most plausible reason is they needed to cut Skipper to help them make a move to keep another player. Since Skipper has more than four years of service, he isn't subject to waivers and can be re-signed at any time.
Perhaps the Lions will make their move on cutdown day on Tuesday and then bring Skipper back. Until then, the suspense builds.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Detroit Lions' Isaac TeSlaa gets huge vote of confidence from Dan Campbell
Detroit Lions 9-game starter floated as release candidate ahead of cutdown day
Detroit Lions undrafted rookie predicted to pull off major 53-man roster upset
Hendon Hooker's days with Detroit Lions should be numbered