2:53pm: The Lions have some interest in bringing Delmas back at a reduced rate, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. However, the safety plans to test the open market first.
2:17pm: Shortly after word broke that the Lions were releasing wide receiver Nate Burleson, Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com reports (via Twitter) that the team is making another cut. The Lions have also waived safety Louis Delmas, according to Twentyman.
Releasing Delmas clears another $6MM in cap space for the Lions, who seemed to have gotten slightly under the cap for 2014 by cutting Burleson. Delmas was on the books for a $6.5MM cap hit for ’14, but his $5.5MM base salary and a $500K roster bonus weren’t guaranteed, leaving the Lions on the hook for just $500K, the amount of the defensive back’s prorated signing bonus.
Delmas, who turns 27 in April, figures to attract the interest of teams looking to bolster their secondaries via free agency. He started all 16 games for the Lions in 2013, recording 64 tackles, three interceptions, and a pair of sacks. He also ranked 26th among NFL safeties using Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required). Still, the size of his next contract may be limited by lingering concerns about his knees. In 2011 and 2012, Delmas missed 13 games due to knee injuries.
New England? Would be a perfect fit.