The Detroit Lions and Tracy Walker have parted way after six years. Walker has been a key piece of Dan Campbell’s defense over the last three seasons but after injury troubles in 2023, the Lions have opted to go in a different route in the safety position.
Walker was third round draft pick out of the University of Louisiana – Lafayette in the 2018 draft.
After a successful first season that saw the defensive back record an interception and 21 tackles, he established himself as a staple in the Lions lineup. Walker has appeared in 79 games for Detroit over six seasons, recording 398 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. He featured in six games this season and helped guide the organization to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
#Lions release S Tracy Walker III. pic.twitter.com/HQDslyuMoX
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 20, 2024
An achilles injury that saw Walker miss a significant portion of the season likely had a role to play in his release. The Lions will also save $5.5 million in cap space after releasing the 29-year-old Georgia native.
Defense will be an area Dan Campbell will need to address in the offseason. The NFC team ranked 25th in the NFL during the 2023 regular season allowing 23.8 points per game.
Two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson was recently released by the Chicago Bears and could be a great fit in Detroit. The organization may also turn to the NFL draft to fill the vacancy with Miami’s Kamren Kinchens and Minnesota’s Tyler Nuben two of the highest rated safeties in this year’s class.
