Detroit Lions release linebacker DeAndre Levy

The Detroit Lions are parting ways with DeAndre Levy.

Detroit released its star linebacker on Thursday, the team announced shortly after the start of the new league year.

At last week's NFL Scouting Combine, Lions general manager Bob Quinn said he expected Levy to be on the roster in 2017. Apparently things changed in a week.

Levy signed a four-year contract worth $33.74 million is 2015, coming off a massive 2014 season, in which he compiled 151 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four passes defended and one interception.

The past two seasons, however, the 29-year-old has been plagued by injury. Levy played in just six games after signing his contract. Despite being thin at the linebacker position, Detroit decided it was time to cut bait on Levy.

The Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett reports the Lions will designate the release as a June 1 cut, which will save the Lions some salary cap room this season, but they must carry the cap number until June. The designation will eventually save the $5.825 million, per OverTheCap.com.

In rebuilding the linebacker corps the Lions agreed to terms with Paul Worrilow on Wednesday, Rapoport reported. Quinn shouldn't be done adding to one of the thinnest positions on his roster.