Detroit Lions Salary Cap: It's Time to Cut Kyle Vanden Bosch

The Detroit Lions are up against the salary cap with quite a few important decisions to make.

The smartest one is to cut ties with defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch.

It's easy to point to his role in Detroit's renaissance to justify his presence, but taking the next step requires intelligent moves. 

The benefits far outweigh the losses.

Ndamukong Suh is one of the faces of the franchise, so it's time to let the defense become his. As long as KVB is there, Suh will have to defer to the veteran.

However, much like goldfish, people will only grow to the limits that contain them. If the Lions allow him to become the leader, he can assume the rule as the tone-setter for his comrades. The Lions must quit stunting his growth and allow him to max out on his potential. This type of challenge will force Suh to make the next leap in his development as opposed to worrying about the dirty-play label. 

Difficult salary cap situations require creative and bold maneuvers, regardless of the emotional price. If Detroit cuts Vanden Bosch, that will take $5 million off the cap for 2012 and 2013. That money would be better spent contributing to locking up Calvin Johnson, Stephen Tulloch and Cliff Avril. Johnson's worth isn't a debate. However, Detroit must recognize the importance of Tulloch and Avril. 

Stephen Tulloch provides credible tackling in the middle. The NFL is a passing league, but successful teams don't allow their opponent to stuff the ball down their throat.

Cliff Avril has been at the center of every NFL-related discussion for the past two weeks. The entire league has been buzzing about the young pass-rusher, and Mario Williams' availability won't fool the general managers. Pass rushing is a valuable commodity that isn't readily available.

Avril exploded this year for 11 sacks, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Critics explain that those numbers should be disregarded because of the amount of attention paid to the rest of the defensive line. However, Avril did the most with the opportunities presented. Eventually, teams will have to shift their protection to his side, freeing up Nick Fairley or Suh to make a play.

As opposed to 2010, Vanden Bosch played every game this year and racked up eight sacks and four forced fumbles. The numbers, while acceptable, are not worthy of the highest paid defensive end on the supposed "best defensive line in the league." In addition, Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz have done a good job evaluating D-line talent thus far, so let them continue to find cheap contributors. Young players like backup defensive ends Lawrence Jackson and Willie Young have the potential to step into the void and produce.

Besides production, KVB has brought an aggressive attitude to the Lions defense. Not that attitude should be understated, but the overenthusiastic play has led to penalties and problems. Letting Vanden Bosch walk would send a message that the players need to walk the fine line between intimidating and dirty.

Vanden Bosch's biggest benefit to the franchise was his practice style and work ethic. Unfortunately for him, that lesson has been cultivated by the squad. Schwartz wanted to set a tone similar to his Tennessee Titan days. Consider the goal has been achieved. As mentioned earlier, Suh can now step into this role and lead the team to new heights.

Mr. Vanden Bosch's services are greatly appreciated, but it's time for the Lions to move on.