Detroit Lions confirm release of Kyle Sloter, Devon Kennard

On Tuesday afternoon, the Detroit Lions confirmed one early report, but left one still hanging.

Earlier in the day, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the team is releasing quarterback Kyle Sloter and linebacker Devon Kennard. The Detroit Lions have since confirmed the release of Sloter, along with future-contract signee A.J. Howard:

However, the team has not yet confirmed the release of Kennard. After Garafolo’s initial report, Ian Rapoport followed up by saying that Kennard may be traded or released, but, regardless, “he’ll be on the move.”

While we wait to see what happens with Kennard, the Lions quarterback situation appears to have cleared up. With the release of Sloter, the Lions’ top three quarterback are Matthew Stafford, Chase Daniel and David Blough. Given Daniel’s three-year, $13.05 million deal, he appears to be the front-runner to be Stafford’s backup for the 2020 season.

Howard, meanwhile, was a journeyman safety that was signed onto the practice squad late in the 2019 season then signed to a future deal for 2020. He has yet to make an NFL appearance since entering the league in 2018 as an undrafted free agent from Appalachian State.

UPDATE: Kennard has now officially been released. Here’s the official statement from the Lions.

“From the day he joined our organization in 2018, Devon exhibited an outstanding level of professionalism on and off the field. We would like to thank Devon for his contributions to the Lions organization over the last two years and wish him and his family the very best in the future.”