Quebec defensive lineman Mathieu Betts was excluded from the Detroit Lions’ 53-man NFL roster on Tuesday.
After a spectacular season for the BC Lions, which included a CFL Defensive Player of the Year award, Betts took on the daunting challenge of joining the Detroit Lions.
In Detroit, Betts appeared in all three preseason games and recorded three tackles, including a career-high sack of Kansas City Chiefs backup Carson Wentz.
Ultimately, Detroit’s coaching staff “found he had difficulty adjusting to the strong-side linebacker position.” Essentially, he has to deal with slot backs and running backs trying to catch passes.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted that “Betts had the ability to cover, but his speed slowed throughout training camp.”
It must also be said that the Detroit Lions’ defensive line has been very effective throughout camp and during preseason games.
“He’s taken a big step up from where he was when he came here and he’s a very good athlete,” Campbell added. “The young man is crafty in his runs, he’s good with his hands, and it’s still early. He’s improved, he’s made a lot of progress.”
As for what happens next, several scenarios could open up for the 29-year-old: perhaps he’ll find a place on the Detroit Lions’ reserve team, or perhaps another NFL team will catch his eye. Otherwise, there’s always the CFL, where he’s free to sign a contract with the team of his choice.