Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings specialist Abraham Beauplan (39) blocks Seattle Seahawks specialist Ben Burr-Kirven (48) during a Seahawks punt at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The Lions and Vikings have shared some players over the years. Most notable on Minnesota’s current roster is T.J. Hockenson, who was once a Detroit top ten pick and is now with the purple rivals. Conversely, the Lions just released Za’Darius Smith. He had spent about half a season with the Lions and was a member of the 2022 Vikings.
Lions Waive a Former Vikings Linebacker
On Tuesday, news surfaced that the Lions released another ex-Viking. Linebacker Abraham Beauplan landed on the chopping block.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey (12) takes a hit from Minnesota Vikings linebacker Abraham Beauplan (39) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.
Pro Football Talk reported: “The Lions made linebacker Zach Cunningham’s signing official, announcing the move Tuesday. They waived linebacker Abraham Beauplan in a corresponding move.”
Cunningham is an experienced player with 86 starts on his resume. He’s on the wrong side of 30, but a more established defender than Beauplan.
Beauplan, meanwhile, is looking for a new job. He was part of Minnesota’s UDFA class in 2023 that also featured Ivan Pace Jr., a fellow linebacker, but unlike Beauplan, he has already had his breakthrough.
Dec 18, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns quarterback Levi Lewis (1) rushes against Marshall Thundering Herd linebacker Abraham Beauplan (7) during the first half of the 2021 New Orleans Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
At the University of Marshall, Beauplan was a productive player with 231 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 35 games. He is a big-time athlete and landed on the popular Feldman’s Freak list ahead of his final college year.
Feldman wrote in 2022: “The 6-2 235-pounder from Florida showed off his speed when he ran the 40 in the high 4.5s and made 133 tackles at Navarro JC in Texas. Beauplan had little trouble transitioning to FBS football, leading the Herd in tackles with 110 and 11 TFLs. This offseason, he vertical-jumped 37 inches, squatted 565 and benched 385. His strength and athleticism really translated onto the field.”
Aug 3, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Abraham Beauplan (39) catches a pass during training camp at TCO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Those skills might have translated to D1 ball, but his NFL transition hasn’t been nearly as smooth. In his first year, he suffered an injury in training camp, and the Vikings said goodbye. When the season concluded, they welcomed him back with a futures contract. In July of 2024, he was waived again.
The Lions added him in August and stashed him on their practice squad. When injuries started to pile up, he was called up to the 53-man roster, and he appeared in three games with the Lions, earning a contract extension through 2025. That deal is moot now.
About Detroit’s new-looking linebacker room, Christian Booher from SI.com noted Tuesday: “This season, Anzalone, Barnes and Jack Campbell enter as the presumed starters with Rodriguez, newcomer Grant Stuard and Trevor Nowaske also in the mix. Cunningham projects as competitive veteran depth, and will have the opportunity to earn a spot on the final roster.”
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Kobe King (41) tackles Boise State Broncos wide receiver Prince Strachan (17) during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Beauplan is 25 years old, and he is now hoping to get another shot elsewhere. The Vikings have nine inside linebackers under contract, including starters Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman as well as new backup Eric Wilson. Special teamer Brian Asamoah II and draftee Kobe King are the next linebackers on the depth chart.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
