The Detroit Lions have confirmed the release of veteran cornerback Fernando Bryant.

The 30-year-old started all 16 games for the Lions last season, recording 69 tackles and two interceptions.

A first-round draft selection in 1999, the 5ft 10in Bryant has played 110 career games over parts of nine seasons with the Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.

He has collected a total of 357 tackles and seven interceptions.

Detroit, who fell to a 7-9 record last season after winning six of their opening eight games, look set to select at least one defensive back over the first three rounds of the upcoming NFL draft.