December 9, 2008 The Detroit Lions released cornerback Brian Kelly on Tuesday, according to The Tampa Tribune. Kelly, 32, spent his first 10 seasons with the Bucs. He signed with Detroit in the offseason to be reuinted with former Bucs assistant coach Rod Marinelli.
Our View:The Lions must really want that No. 1 pick as they have chosen to play younger players rather than their veteran starter for the rest of the season. There's a good chance Kelly winds up on a playoff team, potentially reuniting with the Bucs.
December 8, 2008 Brian Kelly was benched early in Sunday's game against Minnesota in favor of Travis Fisher, according to the Detroit News.
Our View:Kelly has been a grave disappointment for Detroit this season, and it looks like he may ride the pine for the remainder of the season. Fisher was forced out in the fourth quarter after getting hit in the throat, but the team replaced him with Ramzee Robinson at right cornerback rather than put Kelly back into the game.
October 5, 2008 Brian Kelly has struggled in the beginning of the 2008 season and in Week 5 was replaced in the starting lineup, according to MLive.com.
Our View:Travis Fisher started in place of Kelly and backup corner Keith Smith also got playing time at that position.
September 15, 2008 Brian Kelly struggled mightily in Sunday's loss to the Packers, according to MLive.com. He was to blame for Greg Jennings' 62-yard touchdown grab, and actually tripped over his own feet. Kelly also gave up the 29-yard touchdown to rookie Jordy Nelson.
Our View:Kelly got the hook in favor of Keith Smith, after Kelly missed a tackle in the third quarter that allowed running back Brandon Jackson to pick up 10 yards. The Buccaneers felt Kelly could no longer make a favorable impact, and they were right, evidenced by Sunday's performance.
March 8, 2008 CB Brian Kelly has signed with the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN.com. Kelly agreed Saturday to a three-year deal with the Bucs, but terms of the deal weren't immediately available. Kelly, a former second-round pick, started 73 games in his 10 seasons with the Bucs.
