Stephen Tulloch‘s time with the Detroit Lions has come to an end.
The veteran linebacker posted the announcement to Instagram Thursday night thanking the Ford Family and the city of Detroit for the past five seasons that have produced some of the ‘greatest memories’ of his career.
Despite leading the team in tackles last year with 107, the financial burden of Tulloch’s contract became just too much for the team to justify hanging onto, especially with an increasingly one-dimensional type of player.
Tackle total aside, Tulloch in 2015 had a lot of trouble defending in coverage and making tackles in open space which wasn’t going to get better with age or coming off a 2014 ACL injury. Because of the diminished skill set, Tulloch was subjegated to becoming in essence a part time player making full-time money carrying a $5.5 million base salary in 2016 with a $500,000 roster bonus due in March.
With Tulloch now off the books, the Lions increase their cap space availability to around $6 million this year while still undertaking a $1.3 million dollar hit from Tulloch’s original deal.
Originally signing a one-year contract back in 2011, Tulloch flourished under then head coach Jim Schwartz‘s system as the two a continued their working relationship having spent time together previously with the Titans. Tulloch’s quick production his initial season with Detroit led to a five-year extension with the team.
The 10-year vet also became quite the figure in the Detroit community as his foundation helped countless numbers of families in the Detroit Metro area through his charity the Stephen Tulloch Foundation. His extensive charitable work also led to him being a Walter Payton Man of the Year candidate for three consecutive seasons.
This week alone, Tulloch became the fourth vet to part ways with the Lions heading into the 2016 season. Earlier in the week, defensive back Rashean Mathis announced his retirement while the Lions announced they would not bring back running back Joique Bell or offensive tackle Manny Ramirez.