Lions release '04 first-rounder, RB Jones, DE Edwards; re-sign RB Bell

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions have cut running back Kevin Jones and defensive end Kalimba Edwards.

The 5-foot-11, 228-pound Jones missed the start and the end of last season with foot and knee injuries. He has played four pro seasons, all with Detroit.

Jones has 750 career carries for 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also caught 141 passes for 1,006 yards and three touchdowns.

The 6-6, 265-pound Edwards has spent his six NFL seasons with the Lions. He has 26 career sacks.

"With the offseason program beginning next week and with our draft preparation intensifying, we decided this was the right time to make these two roster moves," coach Rod Marinelli said. "We sincerely appreciate the contributions that Kevin and Kalimba have made to our football team and we wish them the very best.

The Lions also re-signed running back Tatum Bell to a one-year deal and signed restricted free-agent safety Kalvin Pearson to a three-year deal.

Bell came to Detroit before last season in a trade with the Denver Broncos. He had 44 carries for 182 yards in five games for the Lions.

Pearson spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He led Tampa Bay in special teams tackles with 21 last season.