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Bob Quinn is already showing he’s not like any general manager the Detroit Lions have ever had.
Quinn cut hometown hero tailback Joique Bell. That shows some serious guts. Quinn isn’t worried about backlash and giving undeserving players chances like previous general managers did. He’s more interested in building a team and ridding it of unproductive players.
Up until 2015, Bell was pretty productive. His 2013 and 2014 seasons combined for 1510 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, 2015 was underwhelming. Bell guaranteed to rush for over 1,200 yards. He didn’t even get 400. He was a shell of his former self, unable to run with authority and confidence. While Detroit fans may be in an uproar because he’s a heartwarming story, this is a great move.
The Lions are creating room for more competent running backs and alleviating their salary cap. Bell is overpaid with a $3.5 million salary. Detroit is better off taking that money elsewhere, and with a power back like Zach Zenner, Bell is expendable.
Detroit has a promising backfield with Zenner, Ameer Abdullah, and Theo Riddick. These guys deserve the carries — not Bell.
Lions fans need to stop falling in love with the great story and charisma. If a player is overpaid and fruitless, he needs to go. Quinn is changing the culture and demanding accountability. It’s what this franchise has been deprived of, and it’s the only pathway to success.
Bell’s skills are diminishing. Even his four touchdowns last season are a bit deceiving, considering he would get the ball at the 1-yard line and power it in. That’s not a great accomplishment. And it’s certainly isn’t worthy of $3.5 million.
Quinn’s first big cut was a nice one. While many fans may disagree and resent him for it, they’ll soon see he’s paving the way for something new and better than what Detroit has experienced these past few decades.
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