Veteran defensive end Jared DeVries was released today (Tuesday) by the Lions. DeVries was drafted in the third round by Detroit in 1999 and has been with the team ever since. Tom Lewand, team president, made the announcement in a conference call.

DeVries did not play in the 2009 season after he tore an Achilles’ tendon during training camp. Lewand said that DeVries’ rehab has been “very, very good.”

DeVries had a roster bonus coming up in a few weeks. “That’s something that prompted the discussion,’’ Lewand said. DeVries base salary for 2009 was $1.3 million.

He said the release came after discussions with DeVries and his agent. “In response to their request to have (the release) happen now rather than later,’’ Lewand said.

This does not mean the Lions have closed the door on DeVries making a return to the team, according to Lewand.

DeVries and his agent want to see what is out there for him.

“We think the world of Jared. He was the epitome of a professional and has been throughout his career,’’ Lewand said.

DeVries, who played at Iowa, played in 119 games for the Lions with 31 starts and 269 tackles.

(Follow the Lions at the NFL Combine through the Lions Lowdown blog and also on Twitter @paulapasche.)