Introduction
Dan Skipper has become one of the most talked-about NFL players not because of Pro Bowl stats, but due to his towering 6-foot-10 frame and memorable on-field moments. From bouncing between multiple teams to cult-hero status in Detroit, his journey comes full circle as the Detroit Lions have released him. This article delves into Dan Skipper’s release, the reasoning behind “Did the Lions release” buzz, and the breakdown of his career earnings.
1. Did the Lions Really Release Dan Skipper?
Yes — Dan Skipper has officially been released by the Detroit Lions. The team informed him of the decision on August 25, 2025.
Skipper, a beloved cult figure in Detroit, returned to the team multiple times across his career, making this release a headline-worthy move. Reports emphasize it’s effective immediately — he’s not subject to waivers and becomes a free agent eligible to sign elsewhere right away.
2. Skipper’s Detroit Odyssey
Dan Skipper’s journey with the Lions spans four distinct stints:
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Initial stint (2017–2018): Joined the practice squad in 2017, elevated briefly to the active roster, then waived and re-signed multiple times.
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Second stint (2019–2020): Again bounced between practice squad and active roster; played some snaps and later ended up with an injury settlement Wikipedia+1.
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Third stint (2021–2022): Signed mid-season, gained promotion during Hard Knocks, earned starts at new positions, and delivered memorable performances.
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Fourth stint (2023–2025): Returned in 2023, involved in the famous “reporting as eligible” officiating snafu, caught his first career touchdown in December 2024, and earned a re-signing in March 2024.
3. Why This Release Matters
Fans and analysts alike are surprised. Skipper had cemented his role as the Lions’ primary backup tackle behind Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, featuring in 44 games with 11 starts over three seasons.
His impact went beyond stats: he became a local legend, notably for the 2023 two-point conversion mishap, and was a steady, gritty locker-room presence. The move to release him raises questions—both about Lions’ depth at tackle and the role of Skipper’s veteran consistency in the roster mix.
4. Career Earnings: How Much Did Dan Skipper Make?
Career Earnings Summary
According to OverTheCap:
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Career earnings: approximately $3,920,263
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Largest cash payment: ~$1,150,000 in 2024
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APY (average per year): ~$490,033
In contrast, Spotrac lists a slightly higher figure:
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Career earnings: $3,965,217
These figures reflect his unique career path: short-term contracts, practice squad stints, minimal guarantees, but a steady accumulation over nearly a decade.
Breakdown from SalarySport
More granular yearly earnings include (approximate figures):
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2017 (Cowboys, etc.): small sums from practice contracts
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2018–2019: payouts from Broncos, Lions, Patriots, Texans trips totalling tens of thousands
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2020: roughly $249,000 with bonuses
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2021: around $122,800 plus incentives
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2022: significantly higher—about $895,774
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2023: near $807,854
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2024: base of $1.125–1.15 million
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Cumulative total: ~$3.68 million (SalarySport), slightly less than OTC and Spotrac due to methodology
5. The Future for Dan Skipper
Now a vested veteran, Skipper is free to sign with any team immediately. Given his familiarity with Detroit and his locker room presence, a return—or a fresh opportunity elsewhere—remains possible.
As per earlier projections, his 2024 contract was around the veteran minimum (roughly $1.15 million), and analysts expected a similar range ($1–2 million) if re-signed.
Conclusion
In summary:
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Yes, the Lions have released Dan Skipper—a surprising move given his longevity and popularity.
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His career earnings fall in the $3.9–4.0 million range, spread across short contracts and modest guarantees.
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His release marks the end of a special chapter in Detroit, but with free agency open, Skipper’s NFL story is far from over.
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