The Detroit Lions have waived linebacker Abraham Beauplan after signing veteran defender Zach Cunningham.
Cunningham’s signing was reported earlier in the day on Tuesday, and Beauplan’s departure is the needed corresponding move.
Beauplan, 25, was one of several players to take advantage of the opportunity to get snaps thanks to wild amount of injuries last year. He appeared in three games, playing 46 snaps on special teams and none on defense.
Cunningham adds another veteran voice to the linebacker room. The 30-year-old is five years removed from leading the NFL with 164 tackles and 106 solo takedowns while with the Houston Texans in 2020. He spent hist five seasons with the Houston Texans, but has bounced around the league in recent years.
Cunningham played two years with the Tennessee Titans, one with the Philadelphia Eagles and last season with the Denver Broncos.
Beauplan initially broke into the league as an undrafted rookie out of Marshall. He spent the offseason program and training camp with the Minnesota Vikings before being waived with an injury, eventually landing back there on a reserve/futures deal.
The linebacker spent a portion of camp with the Lions in 2024, then was signed to the practice squad and eventually promoted to the main roster in November.
Detroit’s linebacker room is headlined by Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes. Malcolm Rodriguez is working back from an ACL injury, and the Lions also have Grant Stuard, Anthony Pittman, Ezekiel Turner, Trevor Nowaske and DaRon Gilbert, all sporting experience on special teams.
