NFL news roundup: Jahvid Best released, Buccaneers kicker out for season

Jahvid Best's injury-filled career with the Detroit Lions came to an end on Wednesday afternoon, among other NFL happenings.

By Scott Schroeder Jul 17, 2013, 6:20pm EDT

The Detroit Lions released Jahvid Best on Wednesday, three years after drafting him in the first round. The running back was unable to make much of an impact in his time with the Lions, but that was more because of injury issues than it was his production.

The release of Best was apparently mutual, however, as he was quoted in the press release with a lot of nice things to say about Detroit:

"I want to thank the Detroit Lions organization for drafting me and giving me an opportunity to fulfill my dream and play in the National Football League," Best said. "My time as a member of the Lions was a very special time in my life. My teammates, the members of the organization, the Lions fans and the people of Detroit will hold a special place in my heart. I'll always be a Lion."

Tampa Bay needs a new kicker

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Connor Barth tore his Achilles tendon last Friday in a charity basketball game. That's obviously a bad look for Barth, but it also means the Bucs won't have his services this season. In his wake, the Buccaneers signed Lawrence Tynes to compete with Derek Dimke for the starting placekicker job next season.

Bucs Nation has more on what Barth meant to their roster:

Barth has been outstanding as a field goal kicker, hitting over 82% of his kicks over the past two seasons. He appeared to be the definition of reliable and has hit several clutch field goals in the final minutes of games over the course of his career. Barth was rewarded with a four-year, $13.2 million contract last season.

Miami Dolphins still need to give out a couple of contracts

The Dolphins will open training camp this weekend without a couple of potential difference-makers. Third overall pick Dion Jordan has yet to sign his contract, and free agent fullback Vonta Leach is still out on the market -- though the latter isn't guaranteed to be signing with the Dolphins.

The reason Jordan's contract is being held up, according The Phinsider, is due to offset language in his contract.

Of course, everyone is speculating that the hold up on the contract will be "offset" language. The Dolphins insisted on the stipulation last year with first round pick Ryan Tannehill, leading to the quarterback missing the first couple days of camp. Now, there is a common belief that the team will again demand the offset again with Jordan.

Offset language essentially helps a team if they release a player prior to the completion of his contract. It allows the team to offset any guaranteed money they still owe the player by the amount of a contract with a new team. For example, if the Dolphins were to release a player with $1 million still owed to him, then he signs a contract for $500,000 with a new team, the Dolphins would only owe him $500,000, giving Miami some relief against the salary cap.

Texans defense getting healthy

The Texans should have two of their better playmaking defenders back out of the infirmary to open the first week of the NFL season. Ed Reed is expected to be ready soon and Brian Cu hshingas been cleared for the beginning of training camp next weekend.