Detroit Lions : 5 Players Who May Not Be Back In 2016

Stephen Tulloch

After an ACL tear during the 2014 season, many wondered if Tulloch would be able to return to his pre-injury form. Tulloch recovered from his injury in time to be ready for training camp. He responded with 74 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and a sack. While those numbers may suggest that Tulloch is returning to form, his game film suggests otherwise. Tulloch, who has never been particularly stout in pass defense, was routinely targeted by opposing quarterbacks.

It would be both irresponsible and naive to not mention the contributions that Tulloch has made to the franchise as well as the city. Tulloch has won many awards and accolades for his off the field contributions and was a candidate for this year’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

At 31, Tulloch’s best days of football may be behind him. His 2016 contract pays him at the 6th highest on the team ($7.3 million). By cutting Tulloch the Lions would incur $1.3 million in dead cap money, but ultimately free up and additional $6 million to use elsewhere. Even with the salary cap going up, the Lions could use that money to sign free agents or work out extensions with soon to be expiring players (Slay, Ansah, etc.).

Next: Riley Reiff