Former Lions 2nd-round pick lands tryout at Browns minicamp

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 13: Josh Paschal #93 of the Detroit Lions reacts after forcing a turnover on downs in the first quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Detroit Lions 2022 second-round pick Josh Paschal was waived this offseason, but he could land with another team soon. The 26-year-old defensive end spent Tuesday at Cleveland Browns' veteran minicamp, his first known opportunity post-Lions. Paschal was one of 11 veteran players trying out during the Browns' voluntary minicamp-a three-day stretch of practices awarded to teams with a new head coach.

Paschal is the first second-round pick of the Brad Holmes era to be cut by the team. His time in Detroit was marred by injuries. He played in 10 games his rookie season, 12 in 2023, and 14 in 2024. But he lost his entire 2025 to a back injury that persisted even when he returned to practice briefly during the season.

In total, Paschal played in 36 games with the Lions over four years and started 18. Over that time, he tallied 62 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and two fumble recoveries.

After missing all of last season, Paschal's final year of his rookie contract actually tolled over to 2026. Detroit could have kept the defender another season on a relatively cheap deal, but the team opted it was time to move on, instead.

A college captain and an inspirational story given his battle with cancer, Paschal was always someone who was easy to root for, and it's a shame it didn't work out in Detroit. Best of luck to Paschal, and here's hoping he lands on his feet either in Cleveland or wherever his finds his next opportunity.