To absolutely no one’s surprise, Lions linebacker Julian Peterson won’t be back with the team next year.
G.M. Martin Mayhew told Detroit reporters Wednesday that the Lions informed Peterson of the move. Peterson was due $8 million next season and was increasingly ineffective. He made 31 straight starts for the team before being benched in Week 17.
Peterson is one of the only key Lions that won’t be returning. Chris McCosky of the Detroit News writes that every offensive starter and key backup is expected to return next season.
The defense still has plenty of work to do, especially in the secondary and at linebacker. The team will reportedly look to bring back cornerback Chris Houston.
“We are still looking to improve our starting 22,” coach Jim Schwartz said. “But we aren’t looking at an overhaul.”
G.M. Martin Mayhew has done a nice job upgrading the team’s talent base and it showed up late in the season. The Lions no longer have to hold on to overpriced veterans like Peterson just because they have no other options.