The Detroit Lions confirmed Tuesday that they have released Jared DeVries, but the veteran defensive end said the team would like him to return.
DeVries told MLive.com that a torn Achilles tendon that kept him out last season contributed to the Lions releasing him and that "there's no bad blood here."
"They're just not real confident in my rehab yet," DeVries said. "They'd like me back, so we'll keep that door open. I was a little surprised by it because I've been there and they've seen my progress. I asked them to put me through drills if that would help. They need more time, and that's fine.
"If I had to play a game tomorrow, I could play it. They don't feel that way. It's a difficult situation because I've been a Lion for 11 years and I'd like to finish a Lion."
Lions president Tom Lewand backed DeVries' assertion that the team hasn't ruled out a reunion, saying: "We've agreed to keep the dialogue open. We think the world of Jared."
According to MLive.com, DeVries was due a roster bonus of less than $500,000 next month.
"I didn't ask to be released," DeVries said. "They weren't going to pay me the roster bonus, so they were going to cut me regardless. In that case, I asked to be released early, ahead of the other free agents."
DeVries started 29 games in the previous three years before he missed the 2009 season. He has played in 120 games for the Lions since they drafted him out of Iowa in 1999.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
