The cornerback position in Detroit continues to be a glaring weakness for the team. It became even more glaring on Friday, when the Lions gave up on cornerback Chris Houston.
Via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the team issued a statement announcing that they have moved on from Houston.
“Chris Houston underwent a significant medical procedure this spring,” the team said. “Both parties felt that the best course of action at this time was to release Chris and allow him to rehabilitate away from the Club. The Lions appreciate Chris’ contributions over the years and wish him the best in his recovery.”
The 29-year-old was a second-round draft pick of the Falcons in 2007. Atlanta traded him to Detroit after three seasons, for a sixth-round and seventh-round selection.
Houston was due to earn $3.5 million in base salary this year. He’ll still count for $1.3 million against the cap, and the team will absorb a $2.6 million charge in 2015. Signed to a five-year, $25 million contract in 2013, he walks away with $7.5 million for one season.
2013 second-round pick Darius Slay becomes the No. 1 option in Detroit, for now. With former Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers suddenly on the market, that may not last long.