Bryant was released to make room for Nick Bosa. The highest-paid defensive player in NFL history was technically on the reserve/did not report list while holding out. Now back with the team, he needed a space on the 53-man roster. Bryant could land with the 49ers’ practice squad. It’s also possible another team takes a shot on him.

A former fourth-round pick, Bryant spent 2022 as a backup despite showing some impressive pass-rush chops in the previous year. In 2021, he notched 4.5 sacks across 14 games, five of which were starts. The Lions' efforts to retool their defense knocked Bryant down a peg on their depth chart, resulting in his reduced role. He will likely take on a rotational role for the 49ers. 

Bryant, who opened last year on reserve/PUP, has appeared in just 10 games the last two seasons. The Lions also placed WR Javon McKinley on active/NFI and OL Evan Heim on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The No. 117 overall pick of last year's draft missed the Lions' first seven games. He was active for only four games as a rookie because of a pectoral injury. Turning 24 next week, old for a sophomore Bryant will have to fight for snaps along the Lions' Trey Flowers-less defensive line.