It wasn't a surprise when the Detroit Lions cut Nate Burleson on Thursday. Fans weren't surprised, we weren't surprised and the wide receiver wasn't surprised.
The 11-year-pro told NFL Network's "NFL AM" on Friday that he knew it was "50-50" whether he'd stay in Detroit or be cut.
"I'm lucky. I've been in the league for over 10 years so I wasn't too shocked," Burleson said. "It was a move they had to make. I was a little disappointed that I wasn't able to retire a Lion, but I understand the business side of things."
Burleson's first two seasons in Detroit were highly productive. In 2011, he was part of the reason Matthew Stafford threw for 5,038 yards. His 757-yard season helped the Lions return to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.
"In my own career there I just wish I wasn't injured as much," said the man who missed 17 games the past two seasons. "When I was on the field I felt like I was very productive, a great piece to the team, a complement to Calvin (Johnson). In retrospect I had a great time here."
"I'd just like to go to a team that's got an established No. 1 (receiver) and work the slot," he said. "I've been able to show my versatility -- play outside, play inside -- and I can go somewhere and be a tall, strong slot receiver, chain-moving slot receiver. (I'm) talking about an offense that is productive and a team that can make it to the postseason. At this point I'm not playing for the dollars; I think it's very obvious."
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