Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz put the full-court press on Kyle Vanden Bosch with a midnight visit on the eve of free agency back in March of 2010. Three years later, the Lions have released the 34-year-old pass rusher.
Vanden Bosch was scheduled to receive a $2 million bonus in addition to a $5 million base salary in the final season of a four-year, $26 million contract. Playing through severe knee pain, Vanden Bosch totaled just 3.5 sacks as his play fell off sharply in 2012.
The pass rusher isn't the only veteran on the outs. Just a day after dumping disgruntled wide receiver Titus Young, the Lions continued their housecleaning by also releasing right guard Stephen Peterman, a move initially reported by the Detroit Free Press.
General manager Martin Mayhew had previously hinted that offensive line changes were coming, as quarterback Matthew Stafford faced too much pressure up the middle. Center Dominic Raiola could be the next to go.
Chopping Vanden Bosch and Peterman is expected to free up a total of $8.2 million in salary cap space. With only Willie Young and Ronnell Lewis under contract at defensive end, the Lions are likely gearing up for a run at re-signing impending free agent Cliff Avril while overhauling the offensive line.
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