Lions Release Michael Gaines

After the Lions picked tight end Brandon Pettigrew with the 20th pick of the draft last Saturday, it was obvious that Michael Gaines' time in Detroit was running out.  Prior to the draft, the Lions didn't feel confident in their tight end situation, but Pettigrew is seen as someone that can be a starter from day one.  Considering that, it is no surprise to find out that Gaines was released by the Lions today.

Last year, Gaines signed a four-year free-agent contract with the Lions, worth a reported $10 million ($3 million guaranteed). He had hopes of establishing himself as a complete tight end, saying: “I have an opportunity to be the guy here. This gives me a great opportunity to put my mark on the game.”

The remaining tight ends on the team are Pettigrew, second-to-last pick of the draft Dan Gronkowski, Casey FitzSimmons, Will Heller, Sean Conover, and Jake Nordin.