Lions cut C.J. Wilson

C.J. Wilson is out in Detroit. The defensive end would have been owed $2.3 million in the 2016 season, which was too rich for the Lions' blood, particularly for a player that had been claimed off waivers. On Friday, the Lions made the move to separate themselves from the contract, and Wilson now goes his own way.

The #Lions have released DT C.J. Wilson. https://t.co/1R4WVrEtNe

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) February 19, 2016

C.J. Wilson was claimed off waivers in November 2015 by the Lions, having formerly played for the Oakland Raiders that season. The pickup, conducted by former interim general manager Sheldon White, was ostensibly to shore up the defensive line as injuries mounted, and Wilson played in (but did not start in) the remaining eight games of the season.

Wilson would have been owed $1.8 million in base salary in 2016, along with a $250,000 workout bonus and a $250,000 roster bonus, making his cap hit the 11th highest on the roster for next season -- which means, for a backup defensive end, this is a clear cap casualty. Seeing as the defense is a top priority for the offseason, the Lions will look to fill this spot rather quickly.