The Detroit Lions are the only team in the Super Bowl era that has not made an appearance in the prestigious event. After their remarkable 12-5 record in the regular season, the team of Tracy Walker III harbored dreams of securing the first-ever Lombardi Trophy. Even rapper Eminem rallied behind the Lions, but their aspirations were shattered in the divisional round of the playoffs.
As the team is now heading into another season in quest of their Super Bowl thirst, their vet safety Walker cannot continue with them, which let him share a heartfelt message.
Tracy Walker III shares message after Lions exit
Tracy Walker’s six-year tenure with the Detroit Lions came to an end when the team released him, according to a Tuesday ESPN report. The veteran safety expressed his gratitude to the organization and its fans in a heartfelt Instagram post, acknowledging the support and opportunity he received during his time in Detroit.
“Detroit I want to thank you for welcoming me in as rookie and accepting me as family. I want to thank the Ford family for giving me the opportunity to be apart of something special over these last 6 years,” he wrote on Instagram.
Despite parting ways, Walker hinted at an optimistic future, proclaiming that “the future is bright,” and he is gearing up for an impactful Year 7.
“With that being said, the future is bright and TTIME is coming harder than ever for Year7..!! GOD BLESS TTIME OUT.”
Throughout his tenure with the Lions, the 29-year-old safety made significant contributions on the field, appearing in 79 games and starting 43. His stat line includes 398 tackles, three interceptions, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and 23 pass breakups.
However, with an impending raise in the upcoming season, the Lions faced financial considerations, given Walker’s $12.8 million cap hit.
Walker’s performance over the years has been noteworthy, making him one of the few players in the NFL to achieve over 300 tackles and 15 special teams tackles from 2018 through 2021. By parting ways with Walker, the Lions aim to free up approximately $5.5 million in cap space, allowing them flexibility for future roster moves and acquisitions.
What are the best landing spots for Tracy Walker III?
Tracy Walker’s departure from the Detroit Lions has made him a sought-after free agent, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers emerging as potential landing spots, according to Jeff Karr of CBS Sports. These teams are looking to strengthen their safety positions, and Walker’s skill set makes him an attractive option.
Philadelphia Eagles are currently dealing with some challenges in their safety department. There’s a chance that Kevin Byard might be released due to salary cap issues, and rookie Sydney Brown is expected to miss the upcoming season because of a torn ACL. Walker’s addition could offer valuable veteran experience and help address the gap in leadership following Byard’s departure, giving the Eagles a dependable starter at the position.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets are evaluating their options with safeties Jordan Whitehead and Chuck Clark, whose returns for the upcoming season remain uncertain. This uncertainty opens the door for the Jets to pursue the former Lions’ safety, who can add depth and experience to their defensive backfield.
Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers could benefit from Walker’s presence as they assess their safety depth chart. With Tashaun Gipson’s future with the team uncertain, Walker could slot in as the team’s third safety behind Talanoa Hufanga and Ji’Ayir Brown.
As Tracy Walker III explores his options in free agency, it remains to be seen which team will ultimately secure the services of the seasoned veteran, bringing six seasons of NFL experience to their defense.
