Lions GM Martin Mayhew announced today that veteran free agent kicker David Akers would not be brought back. This is according to Kyle Meinke of Mlive.com.
The 39-year old Akers, although named a team captain was pretty unimpressive in 2013. He connected on 19-of-24 field goals and 7 touchbacks on 14 kick off attempts. In addition the Lions also signed kickers John Potter and Giorgio Tavecchio to reserve/future’s contracts at the end of the 2013 campaign.
Akers though wasn’t the only player informed they wouldn’t be brought back to the team.
Defensive lineman Israel Idonije, safety John Wendling, linebacker Rocky McIntosh and offensive lineman Dylan Gandy were also informed that their services would not be needed in 2014. Wendling and McIntosh may come to somewhat of a surprise considering the key special teams roles they played in 2013 while Gandy and Idonije both served in reserve rolls for the team.
Still though these are just a few more of the cost cutting measures the cap strapped Lions have to do.
