Report: Detroit Lions looking to shop Stephen Tulloch

For two weeks now, Detroit Lions fans have wondered why in the world is Stephen Tulloch still on the roster after the team clearly told him he would not be around in 2016. When the Lions paid a roster bonus of $500,000 five days into the league's new year, speculation only grew. Had the Lions changed their mind? Did Tulloch fail a physical, thereby preventing a release without an injury settlement? Now we finally may have our answer. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press is reporting the Lions are looking to trade Tulloch and will release him if they don't find any suitors. According to Birkett's source, "Tulloch is not currently in the team's plans for the fall."

Chris Lemieux and I played around with this scenario last week, concluding that a trade made a lot of sense on the Lions' side, but it may be tough to find a suitor. Tulloch's $5.5 million salary is tough to justify at this point in his career, given his shortcomings as a pass defender. That said, all it takes is one team, and if the Lions were willing to eat Tulloch's bonus you have to think they've already had some interest from other teams.

Interestingly enough, while meeting with the media on Tuesday general manager Bob Quinn stated that Tahir Whitehead was re-signed specifically to play middle linebacker. Whether a trade comes to fruition or not, it seems safe to say Tulloch is not in the Lions' plans going forward.