Nate Burleson's four-year run as Calvin Johnson's sidekick is over.
"It's a hard decision for them to make, but I can't blame them for making it," Burleson told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free-Press.
We don't either. The move does not come as a surprise because it will save the Lions $5.5 million in cap space. He was productive in his first two seasons in Detroit, averaging 64 catches, but he has struggled with injuries the last two seasons. Burleson's leadership ability probably kept him on the roster an extra season.
At 32, Burleson is close to the end of his career. But he tells Birkett that he intends to keep playing, and he should be able to find a gig. He's still quite capable of producing in a complementary role; he was on pace for more than 900 yards receiving in eight starts last year.
Dallas makes some sense as a potential landing spot because of former Lions coordinator Scott Linehan's presence. Birkett also mentions to keep an eye on Tampa.
On the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys huddle with Seahawks trio Michael Robinson, Brandon Mebane and Red Bryant before unpacking Cleveland's week of chaos.
