Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas (26) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In a continuing effort to create cap space, the Detroit Lions have released safety Louis Delmas just shortly after letting WR Nate Burleson go. The Lions save $6 million in 2014 salary by cutting Delmas, per Mike Florio of NBC Sports.
A 2009 second round pick, Delmas played 2013 on a new, two-year contract and had his best season yet. Delmas was the Lions best player in the secondary this season, albeit for a defensive back unit that was weak against the pass and allowed many blown leads last season.
Delmas’s release could be an even further indicator that the Lions intend to draft a DB with the 10th pick in the draft. Originally, I thought a corner such as Justin Gilbert would be the guy, but now it appears that Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is in play.
The two biggest reasons the Lions are near the cap limit are two of the biggest names on the roster. Last summer, Matthew Stafford signed a $76.5 million extension, making him one of the highest paid QBs in the league. Also, Ndamukong Suh, who was drafted in the final season before the new CBA, has a $22 million cap hit in 2014.
As for Delmas, he’ll find a home in 2014, and probably get a multi-year deal. The most intriguing destination for him is Buffalo, whose new defensive coordinator is axed Lions head coach Jim Schwartz.