Almost exactly two years ago, the Detroit Lions’ high waiver priority proved advantageous when they claimed defensive lineman John Cominsky, who had attracted interest from seven other teams. That season, Cominsky became a key contributor to the defensive line, recording four sacks over 556 snaps, even playing the second half of the season with a club on his hand following thumb surgery.
In 2023, the Lions easily re-signed Cominsky on a two-year deal. He played in 16 games (11 starts) last season, but his production dipped to two sacks and 29 pressures, down from 44 pressures in 2022. Although Cominsky was a potential cut candidate this offseason, he agreed to a pay reduction. Known for his versatility, Cominsky can play both inside and on the edge. Head coach Dan Campbell praised this versatility, stating via SI.com, “He handles a lot of jobs for us. He handles the big end. He can play three-technique inside. He’s really one of the keys for us setting up our rush game on third downs. He’s physical, he’s got push, he can separate, and he can play the run. He’s a bit of the unsung hero for us on the D-line.”
Despite his valuable skill set, Cominsky faces stiff competition for snaps from players like Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, rookie Mehki Wingo, and Mathieu Betts. While he’s unlikely to be outright cut, his role may diminish, making him a potential trade candidate. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report suggested Cominsky as a player the Lions should consider trading before the 2024 season, noting that “NFL clubs are always looking for help on the defensive front, and one could offer up some draft capital for Cominsky.”
Cominsky shouldn’t be overlooked in the competition for roles on the Lions’ defensive line, as he embodies the kind of player Dan Campbell values. However, if he finds himself low on the depth chart as the preseason progresses, he could become a valuable trade asset for a team with limited tradeable players.