Dec 13, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Jared Odrick (75) waves to the crowd against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 51-16. Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions news takes a look at one recently released player who could be an option in free agency to bolster the defensive line.

Free agency in the NFL can be difficult to predict. Some players never end up hitting the market because of the franchise tag or re-signing with their original team, while others not initially scheduled to be available find themselves looking for a new team after being released. Defensive lineman Jared Odrick now finds himself in the latter category.

The Detroit Lions find themselves with needs along the defensive line after the group was a disappointment last season. Could they turn to Odrick?

This time of year it makes sense to stop and consider why a player is available. The Jaguars relased Odrick just two seasons into a five-year, $42.5 million deal he signed in the 2015 free agency period. There was no big jump in his cap number and the Jaguars are one of the NFL’s leader in cap space. The announcement regarding Odrick’s release on the Jaguars website gives some clues.

After mentioning he started all 16 games in 2015 and highlighting a particular big moment in a win over the Dolphins, the articles drops the but.

But Odrick struggled through an injury-plagued season this past year.

It goes on to specifically identify two other players, Tyson Alualu and Jonathan Woodard, who stepped in when Odrick was out with injury. Clearly the Jaguars, who could have afforded to keep Odrick, would rather give playing time to others on their roster.

And therein lies the difference between the Lions and Jaguars. The Lions don’t have a stable full of internal options. What made Odrick expendable in Jacksonville could make him a free agency target in Detroit.

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