Lions part ways with Smith, Peterson (AP)

DETROIT (AP)—Kevin Smith(notes) wasn’t surprised the Detroit Lions chose not to
offer him a contract. The running back just hopes the NFL labor deal gets done
soon so he can find a new home in the league.

“I hope it goes through so I can move on,” Smith said Friday in a
telephone interview with The Associated Press. “Until then, I’m just waiting.”

A person familiar with the situation also told AP the Lions released
linebacker Julian Peterson(notes) and tendered contracts to kicker Dave Rayner(notes),
linebacker Zach Follett and fullback Jerome Felton(notes). The person spoke on
condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the moves.

The Lions did confirm they re-signed cornerback Nathan Vasher(notes) to a one-year
deal. The team has also tendered contracts to quarterback Drew Stanton(notes) and
safety John Wendling(notes) and did not tender cornerback Brandon McDonald(notes), according
to agents for those three players.

Stanton began the season as Detroit’s No. 3 quarterback but ended up
starting three games because of injuries to Matthew Stafford(notes) and Shaun Hill(notes). The
Lions won two of his starts.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said shortly after last season that
Peterson wouldn’t be back with the team.

The five-time Pro Bowler fell out of favor toward the end of his second
season with the Lions, leading to him being inactive for the finale without an
apparent injury. He started 14 games last year, ranking second on the team in
tackles, and started 14 games in 2009 after Detroit acquired him from Seattle
for defensive tackle Cory Redding(notes) and a fifth-round pick.

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Peterson with the 16th overall pick in 2000
after he starred at Michigan State and traded him after six seasons to the
Seahawks.

Detroit drafted Smith in the third round in 2008 and he ran for nearly 1,000
yards and caught 39 passes as a rookie.

Smith accounted for 1,000-plus yards of offense in 13 games of his second
season before tearing the ACL in his left knee. He came back slowly last season
and played in six games, running for 51 yards in a win over Washington, then had
a season-ending thumb injury in November.

“I respect the Lions’ decision,” Smith said. “Nothing surprises me in
this business, but what I’m really hoping for is a deal to avoid this lockout.”

AP Sports Writer Noah Trister contributed to this report.