The phrase “straight, no chaser” best describes Dan Campbell as he spoke to reporters on Monday morning. Ahead of Tuesday’s 4 pm. deadline, the Detroit Lions head coach announced (and confirmed) a slew of releases.

Before Campbell’s presser, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the release of wide receiver Breshad Perriman. Less than an hour later, Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press tweeted the Lions waived cornerback, Mike Ford. Moments before Birkett’s tweet, Ford thanked Detroit in a cryptic Instagram post, alluding to his release. 

The Detroit Lions also announced they’re waiving Tyrell Crosby (waived/injured), Dan Skipper(waived/injured), Evan Heim, Alijah Holder, Miles Brown, Damian Ratley, Victor Bolden. 

While Perriman’s release is notable, it doesn’t carry the shock of the team waiving Crosby and Ford.

As the Lions still have more players to let go, Dan Campbell plans to address the team’s depth. 

“Certainly, we’re looking to help our depth a little bit,” Campbell told reporters on Monday.” “And we may or may not have it here if I’m being honest with you.”

“I think what needs to be remembered here is that just between today and then tomorrow, some of these moves we make does not mean that these are the guys, that this is who we’re riding all the way through the season.” 

And as if that wasn’t enough, Campbell followed up with an interesting statement.

“There’s gonna be some guys that are gonna be on our team that aren’t even in the building yet,” said Campbell. “That’s probably gonna happen. There’s a good chance that can happen.” 

“Brad [Holmes] and his crew, man… they’re scouring the transactions and looking for everything that could or couldn’t be. And any way we can upgrade our roster that we think is gonna help us now, and long term, we’re looking for it.” 

Related: Dan Campbell says ‘best’ players not a lock to make roster

One position the Lions are looking to upgrade is at wide receiver. So far, no Lions wideout has stepped up as “the guy” throughout training camp and preseason. Rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown and special teams specialist Kalif Raymond have show flashes of their skill. They’ve proven they can be an asset to the Lions’ offense. 

Despite that, neither is a No.1 or No.2 option. 

When asked, Dan Campbell was non-committal on the number of wideouts they’ll take into the regular season.

“I guess tomorrow we’re gonna find out what exactly is gonna happen with it,” said Campbell. “I would say that, you know, there’s a chance that we keep five. 

“Certainly the guys that are out here today, we’re still taking a peek at, taking a look at. And there again, we’re looking at the other 31 teams, too, as this unfolds over the next couple of days. 

Follow Kory Woods on Twitter at KoryEWoods.