The Lions released tight end Will Heller today (Monday). He was set to make $900,000 in 2012, the final year of his contract. NFL free agency opens on Tuesday and the Lions were likely looking to open up salary cap room.

Heller, who signed with the Lions prior to the 2009 season, never missed a game. In three seasons he played in 48 regular season games and started 21 of them.

With a 10-yard reception from Matthew Stafford, Heller scored the Lions’ opening touchdown in the playoff loss at New Orleans.

The move leaves the Lions with two tight ends — Tony Scheffler and Brandon Pettigrew.

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