Lions release three ahead of NFL Draft, including LB Steve Longa

The Detroit Lions trimmed three players from the roster ahead of next week's NFL Draft, including linebacker Steve Longa.

Longa, who joined the Lions practice squad as a rookie shortly before the start of the 2016 season, appeared in 28 games for the franchise. He missed the 2018 season with a torn ACL, a year after leading the team in special teams tackles. 

In addition to Longa, the Lions also parted ways with tight end Paul Butler and wide receiver Jonathan Duhart. 

Duhart was with the Lions during training camp last year as an undrafted rookie out of Old Dominion. He also had two stints on the team's practice squad before signing a futures deal in December. 

Butler also signed a futures deal with Detroit after spending last season with the Oakland Raiders. 

More: Grading the Lions' 2017 draft picks, three years later

More: Lions 2020 draft preview: Detroit needs in-house tight ends to step it up

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers