Lions cut six, but neither Kitna nor Culpepper

Lions cut six, but neither Kitna nor Culpepper
February 10
Detroit Free Press

"The Lions officially released six players Monday: cornerback Leigh Bodden, tight end Dan Campbell, offensive tackle Jon Dunn, wide receiver Mike Furrey, guard Edwin Mulitalo and safety Dwight Smith.

General manager Martin Mayhew had informed players of their impending release, and most of the names had been reported. But today was the first day teams could release players. Team officials were unavailable for comment.

Notably absent from the cut list were veteran quarterbacks Daunte Culpepper and Jon Kitna. Culpepper ($2.5 million) and Kitna ($500,000) have upcoming roster bonuses. The Lions have been noncommittal about their futures.

Of the six players released, all but Dunn have starting experience. Bodden and Furrey were the biggest names.

The Lions traded defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to Cleveland last February for Bodden and a third-round pick. But Bodden had only one interception for the Lions in '08 and complained about the team publicly after the season. He was due an $8.6-million roster bonus.

Furrey led the NFC with 98 receptions in 2006. But his numbers declined the past two seasons, and he clashed with Lions officials about their decision to put him on injured reserve with a concussion in '08.

Campbell couldn't stay healthy, playing only three games over the past two seasons. Mulitalo and Smith saw a decline in their performance in 2008, with Smith's season cut short by injuries."
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