Detroit Lions Cut Veteran LB Stephen Tulloch and His Cap Hit

Stephen Tulloch is looking for a new home after being released by Detroit Tuesday

A move that has been brewing for weeks has finally percolated. Veteran linebacker Stephen Tulloch and the Detroit Lions have parted ways after five seasons in the Motor City, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Tulloch was in the last year of a five-year contract with the Lions, and was on the books for $7.3 million this year.

Detroit will save $5.5 million by cutting Tulloch prior to training camp. The team did however pay him a $500,000 roster bonus back in March.

The 30-year-old was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth back in 2006 out of North Carolina State. He was their starting inside linebacker after sitting out for the majority of his first two years

Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell had this to say about the linebacker.

"“As I have said numerous times since I became head coach of the Lions, Stephen Tulloch has been a consummate professional on and off the field. We thank him for his contributions to the Lions and the Detroit community and wish him the very best in all his future endeavors.”"

With NFL free agency and the draft now long-gone, Stephen Tulloch may have to wait before he gets a job offer. Preseason injuries will ultimately decide his fate this year.

Reuniting with Jim Schwartz in Philadelphia would be Tulloch’s best fit, but the Eagles have filled up their linebacker depth chart fairly quickly this year. The names already include players Schwartz is familiar with, such as Nigel Bradham from their time in Buffalo.

Pro Football Focus ranked Stephen Tulloch as the 54th best linebacker last season, although his run defense was within the top 20 amongst ranked players.