Lions release Tracy Walker

The Detroit Lions released safety Tracy Walker, the team announced Tuesday.

The move frees up $5.5 million in cap space, according to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.

Walker posted a farewell message to the team and fans on Instagram.

Walker has been with the Lions since they selected him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed a three-year, $25-million contract extension in March 2022.

The 29-year-old suffered a torn Achilles the following September, ending his season after three contests. He played in all 17 games last year but only started six due to a crowded safety room that included Kerby Joseph, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Ifeatu Melifonwu.

Walker is free to sign with any club and does not have to wait until free agency opens in March. The Louisiana product has 398 tackles with 23 passes defended and three interceptions in 79 career games.