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Cheesehead
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ALLEN PARK, Michigan (Ticker) - Rod Marinelli prefers fast defensive tackles with the ability to penetrate the backfield over massive ones that clog the middle. That essentially spelled the end for Dan Wilkinson with the Detroit Lions.
The 6-4, 353-pound Wilkinson was released by the Lions on Monday after starting all 48 games for them over the last three seasons.
However, Wilkinson was not a good fit in the Cover-2 defense scheme that new coach Marinelli is installing in Detroit.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 1994 draft, Wilkinson played four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before being traded to the Washington Redskins in 1997. He spent five years with Washington before signing with the Lions in 2003.
In Detroit, Wilkinson was paired inside with Shaun Rogers, who made the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons.
In his 12-year career, Wilkinson compiled 455 tackles and 54 sacks.
The Lions on Monday also re-signed restricted free agent linebacker James Davis to a one-year contract.
Davis started all 16 games at weakside linebacker last season and was third on the team in tackles with 79.
The 6-4, 353-pound Wilkinson was released by the Lions on Monday after starting all 48 games for them over the last three seasons.
However, Wilkinson was not a good fit in the Cover-2 defense scheme that new coach Marinelli is installing in Detroit.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 1994 draft, Wilkinson played four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before being traded to the Washington Redskins in 1997. He spent five years with Washington before signing with the Lions in 2003.
In Detroit, Wilkinson was paired inside with Shaun Rogers, who made the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons.
In his 12-year career, Wilkinson compiled 455 tackles and 54 sacks.
The Lions on Monday also re-signed restricted free agent linebacker James Davis to a one-year contract.
Davis started all 16 games at weakside linebacker last season and was third on the team in tackles with 79.