2016 Lions roster cuts: Detroit cuts nine players, including TE Matthew Mulligan

The Detroit Lions announced a bunch of cuts on Monday afternoon in an effort to trim their roster down to the required 75-man limit by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Earlier in the day, the Lions released veteran Geoff Schwartz. Later, the team announced nine additional cuts and waives. Including the following:

Veteran releases:

• CB Crezdon Butler
• TE Matthew Mulligan

Players waived:

• K Devon Bell
• WR Quinshad Davis
• G Chase Farris
• DE Deonte Gibson
• DE Louis Palmer
• CB Rashaad Reynolds
• DE Quanterus Smith

Of those players, Matthew Mulligan is perhaps the most significant. The Lions are short on tight ends, and it appeared of all the healthy options, Mulligan was the most skilled at tight end. This news could mean several things: Brandon Pettigrew may be ready to come off the PUP list soon, the Lions may be happy with Eric Ebron’s recovery and/or the team is happy with rookie Cole Wick’s development.

Other notable cuts include Lions UDFA guard Chase Farris. Farris had a chance to make the roster considering the Lions’ struggles among the offensive line, but the Lions appear to be content with their rookie fifth round pick Joe Dahl and newly acquired Brandon Thomas at guard.

Finally, the release of Crezdon Butler may be a sign that Alex Carter has a good shot at the final roster. Carter, a second year player, saw struggles throughout training camp, but his dream of staying on the Lions roster this year appear very much alive. Remaining bubble cornerbacks include Brandon McGee, Adairius Barnes and Charles Washington. Among that group, Carter appears to be the most likely to win a job if the Lions decide to keep a sixth cornerback.

With these cuts, and the placing of Jimmy Landes on injured reserve, the Lions are down to 78 players on their roster; the team will need to cut three more players by 4 p.m. ET tomorrow.