On Wednesday, reserve center Kingsley Eguakun reportedly signed with the Cleveland Browns off the Detroit Lions’ practice squad.
This is a somewhat surprising development as Eguaquin took over from Graham Glasgow as the team’s starting center over the past two weeks. Lions coach Dan Campbell was impressed with his performance after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, his first career start.
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“I think it’s really encouraging, I’m really encouraged. For his first game there, I thought he was competitive, I thought he played well, I thought he played fast. It’s very encouraging.”
Eguaquin took a step back the next game against the Vikings, recording two missed tackles and some struggles in blocking. Still, it was surprising to see Eguaquin leave because typically, a team would sign the player to its own 53-man roster to prevent him from being poached. Regardless, that’s what to expect from Eguaquin this week, considering he’s no longer at his game-day peak.
As it turns out, that’s exactly what the Lions wanted to do. Campbell noted during Wednesday’s press conference that they remain encouraged by Eguaquin’s growth, and when asked if he wanted to add him to their 53-man roster, the answer was yes.
The problem for Detroit is that it’s not just up to them. When a player tries to be poached from the practice squad, they have the final say on where to go, and according to Campbell, Eguaquin preferred the opportunity in Cleveland.
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“He loved the opportunity. So he felt like it was the right thing for him and I wish him the best,” Campbell said. “I love Kingsley, man. He’s a good guy, hard worker, and has been here for a few years.”
Quite simply, the Browns offer something the Lions cannot: a starting job. Campbell wasn’t prepared to lie to Eguaquin either.
“We’re not going to lie to anybody. I can’t guarantee a starting spot. We’re not going to do that. I can’t guarantee that. They guaranteed that, so it’s all good. It’s good for him.”
As for this week, it does sound like the Lions are preparing to return to Glasgow, who has been dealing with a knee injury.
“Graham is feeling better,” Campbell said.