Detroit Lions: Stars Free Up Close to $10 Million in Cap Space for Free Agency

Matthew Stafford, Ndamukong Suh and Nate Burleson have all renegotiated their fat contracts with the Detroit Lions, according to recent reports. This frees up valuable cap space and gives the Lions the best chance to make big moves in free agency.

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Stafford and Burleson restructures will save the Lions approximately $10 million, according to a league source

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"— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) March 12, 2012"

This development should allow the team to retain Stephen Tulloch, who will become a free agent once the bell tolls at 4 p.m. EST on March 13.

It also gives the Lions a shot at landing one of the premier cornerbacks in free agency. 

Cortland Finnegan has been linked to the Lions on many occasions throughout the frenzied speculation period these past couple of months, due to his connection to Jim Schwartz.

The prevailing wisdom has been that the Lions wouldn't be able to pursue Finnegan due to their cap situation, but now that Stafford and company have made a way, I won't be surprised to see Finnegan end up in Detroit. 

The Lions are also in the market for a running back, and now they have the ammo with which to bag one and bring him to Detroit.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Lions may target Mike Tolbert, Justin Forsett or Ronnie Brown.

Whoever they do target, the Lions are now in fantastic position to upgrade their roster. 

Where there is a will, there is a way. Kudos to Stafford, Suh and Burleson for making a way.

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