A major part of the Lions’ plan for building their roster was to stock the defense with former Buccaneers who had worked with head coach Rod Marinelli. In a move that symbolizes just how badly that plan has failed, the Lions have released one of those players today. John Clayton of ESPN reports that the Lions have terminated the three-year, $8.5 million contract of cornerback Brian Kelly. An 11-year veteran, Kelly played his first 10 seasons with the Bucs before signing that free agent contract with the Lions before the 2008 season. Kelly started 11 games for the Lions this season, but he was a healthy scratch on Sunday against the Vikings, as the Lions are increasingly giving playing time to younger players. Kelly comes out of this OK; he keeps his $3.25 million signing bonus and the last three paychecks from his $1.25 million base salary were guaranteed because he’s a vested veteran. Per Clayton, Kelly will now look to sign with a playoff team.
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