Steele Chambers, a rookie linebacker, will now need to find a new team to carry on his NFL career. He was previously thought to be a strong contender to make the Detroit Lions’ final 53-man roster.
The former Ohio State standout, who led his collegiate team in tackles the previous season, announced his departure from the Lions on June 10. Despite not being selected, Chambers was considered the most probable undrafted free agent to make Detroit’s final roster prior to his release this week.
Ohio State Linebacker Called ‘A Fit’ for Detroit
Chambers made the switch from running back to linebacker during his stellar five years at Ohio State, where he finished first on the team with 83 total tackles in 13 games the previous season.
With 1.5 tackles for a loss, an interception, and a pass breakup, he was named to the Big Ten Conference honorable mention team. After Chambers signed, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic pointed out that he might have a good chance of earning a spot on the roster in one of Detroit’s smallest positions.
Because of his agility, Chambers—a former running back who is now a linebacker—is an intriguing fit, but his footage indicates that he is still a developing player at the position, according to Pouncy. “He has a solid basis to work with, but he needs to learn to shed obstacles more quickly.
Playing on special teams or the practice squad is probably his greatest shot of staying around. There might be a fit there because the Lions did lose Anthony Pittman to the Commanders this offseason.
Chambers was viewed as a work in progress by certain commentators. Although Chambers moves smoothly and has made “noticeable improvements” with his reads, Dane Brugler of The Athletic pointed out that he still needs to improve in a few areas before he can be a reliable linebacker in the NFL. But when he loses his run fits, especially, his poor take-on technique gets him stranded, according to Brugler.
“In general, Chambers’ athletic range and play style are strong fundamental attributes for the next level, but he still has to work on refining his feel for blocking schemes and cover duties.” Ultimately, Chambers was cut a few weeks ahead of training camp and during the team’s summer drills.
Veteran Linebacker Growing into Bigger Role
The veteran linebacker Derrick Barnes, who recorded 81 total tackles in 14 starts in 2023—a career-best season—may see more playing time for the Lions.
According to Benjamin Raven of MLive.com, Barnes faced tough odds in the offseason after the Lions extended Alex Anzalone and selected Jack Campbell with a first-round pick. However, he turned that into a major role during the season.
For me, it was a protracted trip. conquered numerous obstacles. After the team’s June 5 practice, Barnes remarked, “Now that I’m in my fourth year, it feels crazy.” I’m referred to as a vet by some. Some claim that I’m still rather young. But no, it’s simply my attitude and how I play the game. My level of game intelligence. being aware of what each player is doing on the pitch.
