Detroit Lions release MLB Stephen Tulloch

The Detroit Lions released middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch on Tuesday, four-plus months after informing him he wasn't in the team's future plans.

Tulloch, 31, led Detroit with 107 tackles last season. But the Lions signed Tamir Whitehead during the free agency period to become the new starting middle linebacker.

"As I have said numerous times since I became head coach of the Lions, Stephen Tulloch has been a consummate professional on and off the field," coach Jim Caldwell said in a statement. "We thank him for his contributions to the Lions and the Detroit community and wish him the very best in all his future endeavors."

Tulloch joined the Lions in 2011 and started 67 games for the team. In 147 NFL games, he has 913 tackles, 14.5 sacks and five interceptions.