The Detroit Lions have parted ways with experienced safety Tracy Walker III.
The Detroit Lions announced the release of seasoned safety Tracy Walker III through their social media channels on Tuesday night.
Earlier on Tuesday, Walker took to Instagram to bid what appeared to be a farewell to Detroit. Expressing gratitude, he thanked the Ford family and the city for their support over the past six seasons with the franchise. Despite acknowledging the ups and downs, Walker emphasized his optimism for the future, vowing to come back stronger for his seventh year.
The decision to release Walker will free up $5.5 million in salary cap space for the Lions in 2024, as reported by the Roster Management System.
During the previous season, Walker, aged 29, featured in all 17 games, starting in six. He contributed with 59 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 sack.
Drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft as the 82nd overall pick from Louisiana, Walker played a significant role in the Lions’ secondary during his initial years. However, a significant setback occurred when he tore his Achilles in Week 3 of the 2022 season, resulting in his absence for the remainder of the year.
Returning mainly in a backup capacity for the past season, Walker temporarily resumed starting duties for five games when C.J. Gardner-Johnson sustained a torn pectoral muscle. However, he ultimately lost his starting position to Ifeatu Melifonwu during the latter part of the season.
Walker boasts impressive statistics, having surpassed 100 tackles twice in his career, achieving this feat in 2019 (103) and 2021 (108). Across 79 games, including 43 starts, he has amassed 398 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 4 sacks.
