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Theo Riddick, who has played six seasons for the Detroit Lions, was cut Saturday by the professional football team.
The 5-foot-9 running back/slot receiver was drafted by the Lions following four seasons with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and was the pro team’s third leading receiver and fourth-leading rusher last season.
“For us, Theo is a great professional, he’s a great player, he did a lot of great things for us through the course of the years and we have a lot of respect in the world for everything that he’s done,” Lions head coach Matt Patricia told the NFL.com. “But in any of those situations, we’re going to try to do what’s best for the team.”
Riddick has earned $10.93 million so far in his six seasons in the Motor City, having signed a three year, $11.55 million extension with Detroit in September 2016.
The Lions owed him a $962,500 signing bonus for 2019, according to Sportrac. Releasing Riddick clears about $3.66 million in cap space, according to NFL.com.
NFL analysts believe Riddick will find many potential suitors based on his production:
Fully expect there to be a market for 28 year old Theo Riddick, who hasn't finished lower than 11th at RB in receptions since 2014. There are too many potential fits to even start listing teams.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) July 27, 2019
Theo Riddick is the only running back in the NFL who has at least 300 receiving yards in each of the last five seasons. He dependably makes plays in the passing game. Cutting him doesn't make much sense to me. https://t.co/oMJINiXqS6
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) July 27, 2019
Theo Riddick is a logical casualty for the Lions. Tough to pay a No. 3 RB that much when he doesn't do anything on special teams. He can help another team looking for a slot receiver playing RB, he's very good in the red zone
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) July 27, 2019
Riddick played in 45 games in his four seasons at Notre Dame, rushing 244 times for 1,169 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 120 passes for 1,263 yards and scored eight additional times.
Riddick was also used as a kick returner in three of his four seasons, but primarily his freshman campaign when he had 37 returns for 849 yards.