Still a chance Stephen Tulloch remains a Detroit Lion in 2016

The Stephen Tulloch saga has been one of the more curious marks of the Detroit Lions' offseason this year. In February it was almost guaranteed, by Tulloch's own words, that the linebacker would be leaving the Lions, or perhaps retiring. The Lions later told the NFL media that Tulloch would be released before the beginning of the league calendar year. But by March, no moves had been made and Tulloch collected a $500,000 roster bonus five days into the calendar. Reports began to surface not long after that Tulloch was being kept as trade bait, an asset for the Lions to shop around.

Now? It's anyone's guess.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn went on PFT Live on Monday and discussed the matter with Tulloch. He appears to be in negotiations with Tulloch's people for an undetermined role and there is a chance that Stephen Tulloch might still be on the Lions roster for the 2016 NFL season.

Quinn didn't give a timeline for anything to happen with Tulloch, said there's still a chance he's on the roster this year.

— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 9, 2016

At present, Tulloch represents a $7.3 million salary cap hit in 2016. With Tahir Whitehead ostensibly signed to start at interior linebacker, Tulloch's role on the team is not currently well defined. However, it would seem according to Quinn's words that if Tulloch is indeed back with the Lions, it will likely be with a restructured contract.

A trade scenario may still be on the table, judging Quinn's words.

We'll keep a close eye on the situation, but at this point it's uncertain what the Lions have in mind for the 31-year old linebacker.

UPDATE (5/9/16, 2:15 p.m. ET): According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, his sources believe a release for Stephen Tulloch is imminent.