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Because of their contracts, there has been a lot of talk about the possibility of wide receiver Nate Burleson and/or defensive tackle Corey Williams being cut by the Detroit Lions this offseason. Although both players are talented and leaders in the locker room, releasing one or both of them would clear some cap space for the Lions.
I personally don't see the point of getting rid of talent just to save some money, especially when contracts can always be restructured. Based on this tweet from Dave Birkett, it seems the Lions feel similarly about the situation with Burleson and Williams.
Also, the Lions remain firmly committed to Nate Burleson and Corey Williams. Both should be key parts of the rotation in 2012.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) February 23, 2012
Their contracts may be less than desirable considering the cap situation, but I think it would be a mistake to part ways with either player. Burleson is one of the biggest leaders on the team and had a nice 2011 season with 73 catches for 757 yards and three touchdowns. The same goes for Williams, who is probably one of the most underrated players on the team. He gets overshadowed by the bigger names on the defensive line, but Williams has been a very reliable player for the Lions the past two seasons.
As mentioned, if anything, contracts will be restructured if need be. I just don't see the Lions getting rid of two key players like Burleson and Williams.