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

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Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Pettigrew

Most were baffled when the Lions chose to extend Pettigrew after the 2013 season. Pettigrew inked a 4-year/$16 million extension. The same off-season they drafted tight end Eric Ebron with the number 10 pick in the NFL Draft.

Since 2011 Pettigrew’s stats have been on the decline. In 2011, he had 83 receptions for 777 yards to go along with 5 touchdowns. Over the past two seasons combined he has 17 receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown. He also tore his ACL during a week 14 game vs. the Rams.

Pettigrew is due $8 million over the next two seasons. If the Lions cut him they owe $2 million in dead cap money this season and another $1 million next season. That is a savings of over $5 million over the next two seasons.

Next: Darius Slay Hires Drew Rosenhaus

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