The Detroit Lions have elected not to tender two of their restricted free agents at the start of free agency on Wednesday, according to a report by ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. Running back J.D. McKissic and defensive tackle Jamie Meder are both now unrestricted free agents.
The Lions did not pick up the RFA tenders on J.D. McKissic or Jamie Meder. They become free agents.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) March 18, 2020
McKissic was acquired by the Lions late in the 2019 offseason after being released by the Seattle Seahawks. The running back featured heavily late in the year after injuries decimated the teams running back room. He set a career high with 205 rushing yards in 2019. It was his first career 16 game season.
Meder was signed by the Lions last December. He was also released by the Seahawks in August, though he spent much of the season as a free agent. Meder featured in one game for the Lions in 2019.
Both players will hit the open market, meaning any team may sign them without compensation to Detroit. There is also a chance the Lions re-sign them, though.
In addition to this, the Lions did offer ERFA tenders to both Dee Virgin and Mike Ford. Both now have the decision to sign their minimum salary deals or sit out the 2020 season. In other words, expect both to be back.