Defensive tackle Michael Brockers was released by the Detroit Lions.
The Lions save $10 million against the 2023 salary cap by parting with Brockers, 32, a team captain and the oldest player on the 2022 roster.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised Brockers in December for his role as a leader despite a diminished on-field role. Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes released a joint statement on the move Friday.
“We would like to thank Michael Brockers for his leadership over the last two seasons. As one of our team captains in 2022, Brock’s veteran voice and presence were instrumental in helping guide and develop our young locker room. He is one of the true professionals of our game and we have the highest respect for him as a man. We wish him and his family well on their next chapter,” the statement read.
By releasing Brockers, the Lions have an estimated $26 million in 2023 cap space.
Brockers was ushered out of the rotation in October, playing in only one game after Week 6, but held onto his captaincy and continued to organize and oversee defensive meetings to prepare for upcoming opponents.
The Lions traded a 2023 seventh-round pick to the Rams for Brockers in 2021, then signed him to a two-year, $24 million extension.
Brockers spent nine seasons with the Rams before joining the Lions. He has played in 160 games (157 starts) with 451 tackles (274 solo), 64 quarterback hits, 52 tackles for loss and 29.0 sacks.
