Taylor Mays Released by Lions: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Detroit Lions released safety Taylor Mays on Friday, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

In his first preseason with Detroit after four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Mays was not liking his new situation, according to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.

"Taylor Mays asked for his release from the Lions this morning after not playing yesterday. He will be a free agent once release is official. Mays was running with the second- and third-team defense for most of camp. Lions gave undrafted free agents Isaiah Johnson and Brian Suite a longer look Thursday."

It would have been unlikely Mays saw legitimate time in Detroit, as veteran James Ihedigbo has the starting position all but locked up. Ihedigbo has recorded 60 or more tackles in each of the past two seasons with a combined seven interceptions.

Mays, on the other hand, didn't start a single game last season while recording nine tackles. But he still becomes an attractive free agent, according to Rapoport:

The 6'3", 231-pound veteran has the athleticism and build to be one of the better safeties in the league; he has just not been able to put it together yet. But at only 27 years old, Mays can't be written off just yet. A different situation and a fresh start where he's guaranteed playing time could do wonders for his career.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.