Rashean Mathis Retires: Latest Comments and Reaction

Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis announced his retirement Tuesday in an interview with Tori Petry on the team's official website.

"It's been an awesome 13 years," Mathis said, per the Lions' Twitter account. "But I think it's time for me to hang up the cleats."

Mathis appeared in only seven games this past year after going on injured reserve in November. He suffered an undiagnosed brain injury in Week 7, which ultimately ended his season.

The 35-year-old passed the initial NFL concussion protocol following Detroit's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but according to MLive.com's Kyle Meinke, he continued to have headaches in the days after the game, which resulted in additional tests that revealed the source of the issue.

Mathis said on Nov. 19 that the injury "makes me consider my future," per the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett, and he reiterated in January that retirement was a possibility this offseason.

In 38 games for the Lions, Mathis recorded 117 solo tackles and intercepted two passes. Birkett believes he left a positive impact on the team:

SB Nation's Pride of Detroit also praised the 2006 All-Pro:

According to Over the Cap, Mathis' retirement will save the Lions $1.5 million in 2016—$500,000 for his roster bonus and $1 million in base salary.

The team likely started thinking about a succession plan at cornerback after Mathis got hurt. Nevin Lawson started nine games last year, while Quandre Diggs got four starts. Birkett tweeted that Lawson, Diggs and Darius Slay will be the team's top three cornerbacks but added the team "will address position."

NFL Media's Bucky Brooks argued Detroit's secondary could use an upgrade:

Pro Football Focus gave Diggs a 78.4 grade in 2015—33rd at his position—while Lawson received a 43.1. Both players are only 24, so they should continue to improve next year and beyond.

If the Lions want to find a replacement for Mathis who can immediately help the team, though, they might be wise to add another player through free agency or the draft.