Say what you want about cap space, but it's been a rough few weeks in the Lions locker room.
First the team released veteran safety Glover Quin, the leader of the defense. And on Friday the team released veteran guard T.J. Lang, the leader of the offensive line.
Both players were immensely popular among their teammates. Just scroll through Twitter for the evidence.
Upon news of Lang's release, players on both sides of the ball expressed their appreciation for his time in Detroit -- and announced how much they'll miss him.
Lang was a big personality, the kind of guy who kept things light. And when it was time to go to work, few players worked harder. He proved his toughness over two seasons with the team by playing through several injuries.
All of this made him a locker room favorite. Here are a few tributes.
Running back Kerryon Johnson:
Well this just ruined my day ---- https://t.co/Yq21C6LTKN
— Kerryon Johnson (@AyeyoKEJO) March 8, 2019Cornerback Darius Slay:
My guy!!!! Go miss ya man https://t.co/toDBYhbCOu
— Darius Slay (@_bigplayslay23) March 8, 2019Safety Quandre Diggs:
My guy! Gonna miss the jokes and the competitive nature! I appreciate you bro!! https://t.co/U9iy8L0FKB
— Nino (@qdiggs6) March 8, 2019In his farewell note to the Lions organization, Lang wrote, "I'd like to express my sincerest appreciation to the Detroit Lions organization and particularly Bob Quinn for allowing a kid from Ferndale a chance to accomplish a dream of mine and play for my hometown team. I extremely enjoyed my 2 years with this team and have made some incredible relationships along the way … ones that will last a lifetime.
"Thanks to you, the fans, for taking me in as one of your own 2 years ago. The love and support has been overwhelming. I meant every word I said at the end of the year when I said "stay with us" and although it's no longer us, I beg of you to "stay with them." They are building something special that this town has long deserved, a championship team. Best of luck to all the coaches and players … you guys made it fun and worthwhile."
In typical fashion, Lang also had time for a joke. Count former teammate Golden Tate among those who enjoyed it.
-- ---- you the real MVP for this one @TJLang70 ‼️ https://t.co/Sd3zQnH3gA
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) March 8, 2019The Lions released Lang, 31, to save about $8.8 million against the cap in 2019. He had one more year on the three-year, $28.5 million deal he signed in 2017.
Coupled with releasing Quin, it created about $15 million in additional cap space. The Lions now have about $40 million of cap space, the 10th most in the NFL, heading into free agency. Of course, they also have two big holes to fill.
Thank you, T.J! pic.twitter.com/eBCX6rhSsz
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) March 8, 2019In a statement released by the team, Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn thanked Lang for his time in Detroit:
"He represented everything you could want from a football player and team captain. We all publicly saw him perform on the field at a very high level, but what was seen in the building every day was a player who had great leadership, professionalism and passion for the game of football.
"It meant a lot for T.J. to play in his home city and we have the utmost respect for him as a man. We wish T.J. and his family all the best in the future."
