2014 NFL Draft Strategy Breakdown: Detroit Lions

Oct 6, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas (26) celebrates a play during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Off-Season Losses
Both athletes pictured here, Safety Louis Delmas (26) and Defensive End Willie Young (76), were released and signed by other teams this off-season. Louis Delmas ended up signing a $3.5 million contract with the Dolphins while Willie Young is going to be playing for the Bears for$9 million which includes a $2 million signing bonus and $3.95 million in total guaranteed money. During their respective careers, Delmas was able to defend 24 career passes (intercepting 6) and then recording 331 tackles in his 5 years with the Lions, while Young was able to be productive for the first time last season, registering 47 total tackles and 3 sacks. Sure these off-season losses are big, however in the grand scheme the Lions have walked away this off-season virtually unscathed. As long as they can utilize their free agency acquisitions and use some great picks on their needed positions, the losses of Delmas and Young should not be catastrophic to the Lions one bit. On a side note: Israel Idonije who’s going back to the Bears was also released by the Lions along with Nate Burleson. One pizza accident was enough.