Detroit Lions Will Cut Stephen Tulloch, James Ihedigbo

What a journey it’s been Detroit! “Five years of some of the greatest memories of my career”, Tulloch said on an Instagram post Thursday. “I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have played for such a great organization”. But after a season-ending knee injury in 2014 and a lackluster performance in 2015, the team decided he wasn’t worth the financial obligation in 2016. Such as life there is constant change. Tulloch was entering the final year of his contract, and was going to count for $7.3 million against the cap. “But change that I’m looking forward to”, Tulloch wrote.

Appearing in all 16 regular season games for the Lions a year ago, Tulloch registered 107 total tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Tulloch immediately made a huge impact with the defense, amassing over 100 tackles during each of his first three seasons with Detroit.

Tulloch has played for the Lions since 2011, and started in 66 of the 67 games he played in for Detroit. According to the club’s unofficial depth chart, Travis Lewis is now slated behind Tulloch as the anchor of the Lions’ defense.

That next chapter could come in Philadelphia, where the 31-year-old would reunite with Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. He was one of the more involved Detroit players in the community, hosting an annual softball tournament and regularly attending community events.