NFL News: One More Retires and Two Released
Lions CB Rashean Mathis retires with 1 year left on contract
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis has retired.
Mathis announced his decision in an interview posted Tuesday on the team's website.
The 13-year NFL veteran said after last season he may not return to play in the final year of his contract in 2016 because he knew there was life after football. He went on injured reserve with a concussion after starting in seven games last year.
Mathis was an All-Pro in 2006, when he made a career-high eight interceptions for Jacksonville.
The Jaguars drafted him out of Bethune-Cookman in the second round in 2003. He started in 165 and 175 career games and had 32 interceptions, playing in Detroit over the last three seasons after 10 years with the Jaguars.
Lions release running back Joique Bell
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions released running back Joique Bell on Tuesday, less than a year after he signed a two-year deal with former general manager Martin Mayhew after his best season.
New general manager Bob Quinn decided to cut Bell, knowing he likely will have Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick rotating at running back this year.
Bell had nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage in 2013 and 2014. His role diminished in Detroit last year due to injuries and the emergence of Abdullah as a rookie and Riddick as a pass-catching option out of the backfield.
Bell ran for 2,235 yards and 22 touchdowns and had 161 receptions for 1,640 yards and a score over four seasons in Detroit.
Chicago Bears release OT Jermon Bushrod
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears have released offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod after he made just four starts in 12 games last season.
Bushrod, 31, signed a five-year deal with Chicago in 2013 that included $17.7 million in guaranteed money. He was selected by New Orleans in the fourth round of the 2007 draft and made two Pro Bowls with the Saints before joining the Bears in free agency.
Chicago announced the move on Tuesday.
The release of Bushrod is part of a continuing overhaul for the Bears under coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace. Running back Matt Forte announced Friday that the team told him it would not offer him another contract after it went 6-10 last season and finished last in the NFC North.
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