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Back in 2013, when offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus became a free agent, the Detroit Lions were never really a threat to re-sign him. Although he was coming off a career season in Detroit, the Lions weren't interested in breaking the bank for a generally inconsistent right tackle, especially with Corey Hilliard and Jason Fox waiting in the wings to start.
The Indianapolis Colts, on the other hand, decided to sign Cherilus to a five-year deal worth $35 million. The deal seemed a bit excessive at the time, and now the Colts have already decided to move on from that contract by releasing Cherilus on Sunday.
Colts cut Gosder Cherilus. Five-year, $35 million contract turns into two-year $16 million contract. #treasuretotrash
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) July 26, 2015
Given that the Lions have dealt with some uncertainty at right tackle this offseason with LaAdrian Waddle recovering from a partially torn ACL, might they be interested in bringing Cherilus back to Detroit? It certainly doesn't look like it:
Asked a #Lions source if signing Gosder Cherilus was a possibility. His response: "we're happy with what we've got" at tackle.
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) July 27, 2015
Even if the Lions weren't happy with their current group of tackles, they could do much better than Cherilus.
Don't be surprised by the Colts releasing Gosder Cherilus, only 12 OTs had a worse grade in pass protection in 2014. pic.twitter.com/cRA6xhmRPG
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) July 26, 2015
As it stands right now, the Lions are set to go into training camp with Waddle as their projected starter at right tackle. If he's not healthy, Cornelius Lucas will step into the starting lineup, and Michael Williams and Corey Robinson will compete for an additional backup spot at tackle.