The Detroit Lions have decided to move on from defensive lineman Josh Paschal.
Paschal, drafted 46th overall out of Kentucky in 2022, was released Wednesday, the team announced. Paschal missed all of 2025 after undergoing offseason surgery on his back. As a result, his contract tolled, meaning the final year of his rookie deal was pushed from 2025 to 2026. Regardless, he will not be with the Lions moving forward.
The writing was on the wall for Paschal after Lions GM Brad Holmes was asked about him at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. Holmes was open about bringing back Levi Onwuzurike, who also had his contract tolled, but regarding Paschal, Holmes said, “There’s still discussions to be had about that one.”
Capable of playing both on the inside and off the edge of Detroit’s defensive line, Paschal leaves the Lions after producing 62 total tackles (12 for loss) and five sacks over 36 appearances. He was most impactful during the 2024 season, as he was one of the healthiest members of Detroit’s defensive front and posted 31 pressures in 14 games.
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