By Moses Joshua 
Crowded Defensive Line Could Force Brodric Martin Out Before Roster Finalization
A Promising Season Undone by Depth Issues
The Detroit Lions stormed through the 2024 regular season with a remarkable 15-2 record, earning respect as one of the NFL’s top-tier teams. However, despite their dominance, the season ended in heartbreak with a playoff exit at the hands of the Washington Commanders. Beneath the surface of that stellar record lay a key vulnerability: roster depth.
Injuries devastated the Lions’ lineup, with a staggering 13 players landing on season-ending injured reserve. This attrition exposed cracks in Detroit’s depth, particularly on the defensive front, and played a major role in their postseason unraveling. Entering the 2025 offseason, the Lions made it clear that fortifying their defense — especially the trenches — would be a top priority.
But with offseason reinforcements comes the inevitable truth of the NFL: not everyone makes it to training camp.
Brodric Martin’s Job in Serious Jeopardy
One player now staring down the barrel of a potential release is defensive tackle Brodric Martin. Drafted in the third round back in 2023, Martin arrived from Western Kentucky with expectations of becoming a rotational anchor. Two years later, however, the results have been underwhelming.
Martin has suited up for just five games across two seasons, registering a mere four tackles and failing to record a single sack. While injuries and a developmental learning curve played a part in his slow start, the Lions’ growing depth chart doesn’t leave much room for patience.
Detroit’s defensive tackle group has quietly become one of the more competitive units on the team. Levi Onwuzurike was retained, Roy Lopez joined via free agency, and the franchise used its first-round pick on Tyleik Williams, a disruptive presence with starter potential. With Mekhi Wingo, a sixth-round selection this year, already turning heads, Martin finds himself on the outside looking in.
Despite shedding over 14 pounds in the offseason and working to get into peak physical condition, Martin faces a brutal numbers game. “I know what’s at stake,” Martin reportedly told teammates earlier this spring. “All I can control is how I show up.”
Limited Spots, Limited Time
While Alim McNeill is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last December, his spot — when healthy — is assured. Even with his absence, the Lions may opt to allocate roster space elsewhere, especially with an intense competition brewing at linebacker.
With only so many defensive tackle slots available, Martin would need a near-flawless training camp to survive roster cuts. And even that may not be enough.
The writing on the wall suggests Detroit could part ways with Martin before camp begins — a decision that would reflect less on his work ethic and more on the sheer talent surplus surrounding him.
Final Outlook: A Tough Business
NFL careers are often made or broken by opportunity, timing, and circumstance. For Brodric Martin, the Lions’ recent upgrades may have arrived at the worst possible moment. While his potential hasn’t disappeared, it’s likely his shot to realize it in Detroit is drawing to a close.
In a league where every roster spot is earned, not given, Martin’s journey could soon require a new beginning elsewhere.