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Why did the Detroit Lions release defensive tackle Justin Bannan? Unfortunately, it wasn't to make room for a new wide receiver they just acquired via a trade or anything like that. It turns out that they needed to create room after claiming defensive tackle D'Anthony Smith off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks.
Smith, a former third-round pick, was traded to the Seahawks at the end of August. They decided to release him this week after he recorded 5 tackles in a couple games for them.
Before joining Seattle, Smith was with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yes, the Lions have added yet another former Jaguar. He didn't actually play for Jacksonville until 2012 because he dealt with injuries in his first two seasons in the NFL, but he finally made his debut last year. He ended up playing in eight games and recording a total of 10 tackles.
With Smith joining the rotation at defensive tackle, the Lions now have five players at that position again. Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and C.J. Mosley are in the top three, and Smith will compete with Andre Fluellen for that fourth spot at defensive tackle.