Lions release Leroy Harris

The Detroit Lions have finally decided to release center/offensive guard Leroy Harris, according to Aaron Wilson. Harris was officially released on Monday, freeing up $1.95 million in cap space in the process.

I'm honestly surprised it took this long for the Lions to release Harris. He was added last year as veteran depth for the interior of the offensive line, and he was actually in the mix to start at right guard during training camp. Larry Warford ended up becoming the starter, though, and Harris was inactive for all but one game in 2013.

The way the Lions drew up Harris' two-year contract, he was set to have a base salary of $1.85 million in 2014. He was also set to get a $100,000 bonus, and his cap hit for 2014 was going to be $2,062,500. That was way, way too much for a backup lineman who barely even played last year, so I'm glad the Lions finally came to their senses and opted to release him.

With Harris departing and Dylan Gandy not going to be re-signed, the Lions do need to add a bit more depth to the interior of the offensive line, specifically at center. Rodney Austin should make the 53-man roster this year, but he's more of a guard than a center. If the Lions don't add anybody during free agency, that could mean that they plan to take a center in the draft.