ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions released two veteran starters Tuesday, cutting defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and guard Stephen Peterman.
Vanden Bosch signed a four-year contract with Detroit worth $26 million when he arrived as a free agent before the 2010 season. He quickly earned respect in the locker room, but the price tag may have been too high this year for the 34-year-old.
Vanden Bosch has earned three Pro Bowl selections in 11 NFL seasons. He made 15 1/2 sacks in 43 games for Detroit and started all 16 games last season.
"Heard they just (released) the one guy that took me under his wing, a great teammate, a great person, my brother KVB," Lions defensive end Cliff Avril posted on Twitter. Avril signed a one-year franchise tender before last season, so it's not clear whether he'll be back either.
Peterman, who turned 31 last month, started all 48 regular-season games for the Lions over the last three seasons, along with their playoff game at New Orleans in January 2012.
The Lions went 4-12 last season. They released wide receiver Titus Young on Monday.
