The Detroit Lions surprisingly missed out on the playoffs last season, but they plan to make it back in 2016. The team's first priority this offseason is re-signing its own players, and Detroit has several key contributors they need to bring back next season - but also those they need they need to get rid of. Here are three players the Lions should cut this offseason:
RB Joique Bell
Detroit was counting on Bell to be their featured back this season, but instead, he was one of the biggest reasons why they had the worst rushing attack in the league. He finished the season as Ameer Abdullah's backup and only received 90 carries for 311 yards and four touchdowns this year. Expect Detroit to try to save the $2.5 million they owe Bell next year.
TE Brandon Pettigrew
Pettigrew is losing almost all of his snaps at tight end to Eric Ebron, and considering he only had seven catches for 67 yards in eight games this year before tearing his ACL, it's clear he's not a focal point of the offense. That being said, Detroit owes him over $8 million over the next two years, and that cap space would be MUCH better spent elsewhere.
LB Stephen Tulloch
Tulloch saw his role reduced due to his struggles in coverage, and he's simply making too much money for Detroit to want to keep him. The Lions will save over $6 million if the cut Tulloch, and considering he's 31 and is showing an obvious decline on the field, he'll almost certainly be playing somewhere else next year.