The Facts: The Lions have released Gaines, after drafting two TEs during the weekend: Oklahoma State’s Brandon Pettigrew (20th overall) and Maryland’s Dan Gronkowski (second-to-last pick).
Diehards Line:Last year, Gaines signed a four-year free-agent contract with the Lions, worth a reported $10 million ($3 million guaranteed). But Gaines caught only 23 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown, and he committed two costly turnovers -- game-changing fumbles at Chicago and Carolina -- contributing to the NFL’s first 0-16 season. The Lions also have Casey Fitzsimmons and Will Heller at tight end. Fitzsimmons is known for his receiving and special teams contributions. Heller, who left Seattle as a free agent, is known for his blocking.