According to ESPN Chicago, the "presumption for months has been" that free agent DE Kyle Vanden Bosch will retire. Vanden Bosch, 34, was released by the Lions in early February. He came out and said that he had no plans to hang up the cleats shortly thereafter, but the veteran hasn't drawn even a sniff of interest in free agency. Vanden Bosch is going to have to accept the veteran's minimum if he's going to play in 2013.

Free agent DE Kyle Vanden Bosch isn't planning to retire after being released by the Lions on Tuesday. "I feel like I still have a lot to offer," Vanden Bosch said. "I know that at this point in the offseason, I'm the healthiest I've been in a couple years. ... If I get another opportunity, I'm (going to) make the most of it." Vanden Bosch acknowledges this could be the end, but at the very least, he should get a legitimate chance to crack someone's 53-man roster. Vanden Bosch says returning to the Lions at a reduced price has not been discussed.

Lions informed RE Kyle Vanden Bosch of his release. Vanden Bosch, 34, was carrying a $10.7 million cap hit into 2013, so this was an obvious move after he registered just 3.5 sacks in 2012. KVB has started all 16 games over each of the last two seasons, and has spent the last three seasons in Detroit. Experiencing somewhat of a career revival under DL coach Jim Washburn in Tennessee, Vanden Bosch signed a four-year deal with Detroit. It's not out of the question that he could be brought back with Washburn now joining the Lions' staff.

DetroitLions.com mentions RE Kyle Vanden Bosch as a candidate for release. Vanden Bosch, 34, has one year left on his deal, and it carries a $10.7 million cap hit. That's far too much for an aging end who recorded just 3.5 sacks in 2012. The Detroit defense could look a lot different in 2013, as they have 12 players set for free agency and a couple others as potential cap casualties.

Lions RE Kyle Vanden Bosch has a $10.7 million cap number for 2013. As the Free Press puts it, this is an "untenable" number for a defensive end that posted 3.5 sacks in 2012 and will turn 35 in November. At the very least, he'll have to accept a massive pay cut. The Lions' depth along the defensive line combined with their hairy salary cap situation could lead to KVB's release.

Lions RE Kyle Vanden Bosch agreed to restructure his contract in order to save the club salary cap space. Vanden Bosch lost no money, converting all but $925,000 of his $5 million base salary into a "signing" bonus. The contract restructuring will significantly increase his 2013 salary cap number, although 33-year-old Vanden Bosch may be in his final season with the Lions anyway. In 16 starts last season, Vanden Bosch registered eight sacks, 35 tackles, and four forced fumbles.

The Lions plan to limit RE Kyle Vanden Bosch's practice reps in an effort to keep him fresh. The Lions held Vanden Bosch out of Wednesday practices in 2011, and believe it was one of the main reasons he appeared in all 16 games for just the second time in four years. "We did the same thing this off-season and we'll have a plan for training camp," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He had one of the best years of his career last year and he means a lot to us and we need to keep him going."

Lions RE Kyle Vanden Bosch (shoulder) will play Sunday against the Buccaneers. Vanden Bosch missed the last two preseason games and multiple practices, but was on the record as saying he would have been active had it been the regular season. He'll serve as a key cog in one of the NFL's most intimidating defensive fronts.

Kyle Vanden Bosch (shoulder) has missed four straight practices. Vanden Bosch injured the shoulder in last Thursday's second preseason game and has been out ever since. While it's not considered serious, KVB did have neck surgery last season.

Lions DE Cliff Avril credits Kyle Vanden Bosch as the "turning point" in the team's attitude and improved play last season. "He leads everybody," said Avril. "From the D-Line to the offensive line to everyone -- everybody has much respect for him. ... He's the changing point as a leader since I've been here as a young guy." KVB has joined Matthew Stafford in heading up offseason workouts as well. Coach Jim Schwartz's stakeout on the eve of last year's free agency has paid immediate dividends.