Louis Delmas bounced back from injury in 2013 to have the best season of his career, but that wasn't enough to justify his lofty cap figure and bring him back.
Louis Delmas released by Lions, according to report
A new coaching staff will aim to find a new safety in 2014.
Gregory Shamus
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
The Detroit Lions released Delmas on Thursday, according to Tim Twentyman. It's a move that will save $6 million against the salary cap and give the organization more room to operate in free agency. The decision to release the veteran free safety isn't wholly surprising given the contract the team gave him in 2013.
It was a deal very much centered on the idea that he was oft-injured and needed to prove himself. Delmas signed a two-year contract worth $7.7 million with a $1 million signing bonus, but his salary escalated from $715,000 to $5.5 million this offseason, making him a likely cap casualty. A solid season caused for pause wondering if the team would bring him back, but a new coaching staff will likely cause the organization to bring in its own talent, rather than hold onto vestiges of Jim Schwartz’s roster.
Delmas totaled 64 tackles, 2.0 sacks and three interceptions last season, part of a Lions pass defense that ranked 23rd in the NFL. He has shown to be a high-level NFL safety if he can stay healthy, which will intrigue a number of teams needing help at the position. An incentive-laden contract will likely be in the cards, one that gives Delmas a chance to make high-level money and offers protection to a team signing him.
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