Louis Delmas was one of the signature players of the Jim Schwartz era: talented, inconsistent and a little reckless.
It only makes sense that Delmas is an ex-Lion now that Schwartz is gone. The official team site reported Thursday that Delmas was released, saving $6 million against the salary cap.
The move comes on the same day the Lions cut wide receiver Nate Burleson, as the team moves forward into the Jim Caldwell era. New defensive coordinator Teryl Austin namechecked Delmas at his introductory press conference, but the Lions apparently decided that Delmas didn't fit the team's new scheme.Â
The news comes as a mild surprise to some in Detroit. (But not to Around The League's Kevin Patra, who predicted this move was coming. Boom.)
Delmas becomes one of the more interesting defensive free agents available. He's struggled to stay healthy as a pro, but was able to start all 16 games last year. His tendency to go for a big hit instead of playing the ball often betrayed him, and he wasn't quite worth his salary. Still, he's a slightly above average starter that remains in his prime.
There aren't many strong safeties like him left in the NFL, and he will be a starter somewhere in 2014.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys huddle with Seahawks trio Michael Robinson, Brandon Mebane and Red Bryant before unpacking Cleveland's week of chaos.
