The Lions and backup center Manny Ramirez have agreed to part ways when Ramirez becomes a unrestricted free agent next month, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions.
Ramirez, a Lions draft pick in 2007, returned to the team in a draft-day trade with the Denver Broncos last year and appeared in all 16 games, making seven starts.
Though Ramirez played well in a part-time role, the Lions used second-year pro Travis Swanson as their primary starting center, with Laken Tomlinson and Larry Warford at guard. Swanson missed two games with ankle and shoulder injuries and underwent shoulder surgery after the season.
Ramirez, who started the season’s first five games, played 45.3% of the Lions' offensive snaps last year, just missing out on a play-time incentive that would have paid him $450,000 for appearing in 50% of the team's offensive plays.
It’s unclear what role that played in Ramirez’s desire to sign with a new team.