The Lions and perhaps Jahvid Best finally came to reality today as the team announced that they would release the running back whose career was totally derailed by concussions.
A former first round pick back in 2010 with Detroit, Best has actually been sidelined with a concussion since October 16th, 2011 but it was today that the Lions finally realized they couldn’t wait around for the ailing back anymore.
But it looks as though the Lions gave it one last shot with Best. According to Brian McIntyre of Yahoo! Sports, Best was released after another failed physical which again was an indication that there were hopes that the speedy third year back could make a return in 2013.
According to the NFL personnel notice, Jahvid Best released by the #Lions with a "Failed Physical" designation.
— Brian McIntyre (@brian_mcintyre) July 17, 2013
Best did release a statement regarding his release:
“I want to thank the Detroit Lions organization for drafting me and giving me an opportunity to fulfill my dream and play in the National Football League,” Best said in a statement released by the team. “My time as a member of the Lions was a very special time in my life. My teammates, the members of the organization, the Lions fans and the people of Detroit will hold a special place in my heart. I’ll always be a Lion.”
Obviously in a big sense the Lions already moved on from Best after signing Reggie Bush to a contract this offseason. It was also apparent on the Lions’ part that waiting around for Best last season was a mistake given the struggles the team faced in it’s running game.
Although he didn’t mention walking away from the game as a player (yet) it’s probably pretty safe to assume that Jahvid Best’s career in the NFL is over.
As far as the money goes, Best will continue to be a $1.1 million dollar cap hit for the next two seasons. However with his release the Lions will save more than $800,000 dollars this season and $1.1 million dollars in 2014. All in all though it was a move that had to be done and a sad situation to what looked to be a pretty promising NFL career.
