A couple of moves involving members of the Detroit Lions will save the team about $4-million in cap space.
New General Manager Bob Quinn has cut running back Joique Bell after four seasons with the team.
A fan favourite and local product from Wayne State University, Bell struggled to return to form this past season while recovering from knee, ankle, and achilles surgeries. The Lions are also deep at the running back position, with Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and Zach Zenner battling for carries.
Bell sent a tweet from his account Tuesday thanking the city for its support.
It's been a pleasure Detroit. Home is where the heart is and my heart will always be here. #DVE4Ever #WSU #B.H. pic.twitter.com/56xME7C7nN
— Joique Bell (@JoiqueBell) February 16, 2016
Meantime, cornerback Rashean Mathis announced his retirement after 13 NFL seasons, ten of them with Jacksonville, and the last three with Detroit.
The 35-year-old suffered a concussion mid-season, ending the year on injured reserve.
Mathis ends his career with 32 interceptions, starting 165 of his 175 games, while being named an All-Pro in 2006.
