The Lions are cutting the oldest player on their roster and clearing significant cap space for next season.
Detroit has 'amicably agreed to amicably part ways' with Michael Brockers, according to the Free Press, two years after acquiring the veteran defensive lineman in a trade with the Rams.
The move, which is expected to become official Friday, will save the Lions $10 million in cap space in 2023, with a dead cap charge of about $4 million.
A starter for the Lions in 2021 and a captain in 2022, Brockers was moved to the bench early last season and played just once in Detroit's final 12 games. He maintained his role as a leader and mentor for his young teammates, but had little to offer on the field. He finished with four tackles in six games.
Brockers, 32, was supplanted on the interior of Detroit's defensive line by newcomers Isaiah Buggs and John Cominsky, two restricted free agents the Lions would like to re-sign this offseason. Releasing Brockers, who would have cost about $14 million against the cap next season, will help them do that.
The Lions are also expected to upgrade their defense, which allowed the most yards in the NFL last season, in unrestricted free agency, which begins March 24.
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