The National Football League reinstated five players suspended for the 2023 season for violating the league’s anti-gambling policy. Should they get a contract, these players can sign with any team and participate in offseason activities.

Of the five players reinstated, defensive end Shaka Toney is the only one retained by his former squad. The Washington Commanders selected him in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year, $3.57 million contract. His suspension adjusts the final year of his rookie contract to 2025.

Meanwhile, linebacker Rashod Berry previously signed with the Indianapolis Colts on January 2023. Five months later, the Colts waived him after violating the NFL anti-gambling policy. Before signing with the Colts, Berry signed contracts with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and Detroit Lions.

Speaking of the Lions, three of the five reinstated players donned the Lions uniform: defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor, safety C.J. Moore, and wide receiver Quintez Cephus.

After becoming a three-time First Team All-Sun Belt Conference member for Appalachian State, the defensive tackle signed with the Lions in 2022. He signed a reserve/futures contract with Detroit in January 2023 and was released in May 2023.

Conversely, Moore was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Lions in 2019. He played three seasons for Detroit before getting released in September 2022. He then signed to the Houston Texans practice squad but didn't make it to the active roster.

Moore re-signed with the Lions for the rest of the 2022 season and earned a two-year extension the following year. However, the team released him after he was found guilty of betting on NFL games.

Finally, the Lions selected Cephus in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He had 37 receptions for 568 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons with the NFC North franchise.

-Lance Fernandez