This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/lions as Pros and Cons of Lions Signing Released Raiders Defender. The Las Vegas Raiders are releasing former first round defensive tackle Christian Wilkins only one year into his four-year, $110 million deal.

New Detroit Lions OC John Morton's mission is to improve the NFL's top scoring offense in 2024. And it all starts with quarterback Jared Goff.

For two straight days, coach Dan Campbell had to stop practice due to excessive on-field exuberance. Via Colton Pouncy of TheAthletic.com, Campbell paused practice after “ several scuffles ” broke out. Safety Brian Branch and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, per Pouncy, “went at it multiple times.”

The Detroit Lions conducted their first padded practice Friday, and a pair of rookies were among the players absent from the action. First-round pick defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was not present, nor was undrafted safety Ian Kennelly. The reasons for both's absences were not immediately provided, and it's unclear whether it's injury-related.

Za'Darius Smith remains a free agent more than 4 months after his release from Detroit Lions. The team has had dialogue about signing Matthew Judon.

The Eagles waived Nichols earlier this week, and the Lions didn't waste time to bring the Detroit native in for a visit.

As the Detroit Lions complete their fifth day of training camp and the first padded practice, there remains no player I get asked about more than second-year offensive lineman Giovanni Manu. The greenhorn tackle and 2024 fourth-round pick (using a 2025 third-rounder to trade up to acquire him) was selected out of the Canadian USports college level with the knowledge that Manu was very much a developmental project.

The Lions' success the last couple of years led to some major changes heading into the 2025 season.

I’m just out there playing football. I’m trying to be the best Jack Campbell I can be every single day, nobody else."