Mulligan was released by the Lions on Monday, The Detroit News reports.
This move comes as a bit of a head-scratcher since Mulligan appeared to be Detroit's top in-line tight end with Brandon Pettigrew (knee) still residing on the team's PUP list. However, this could alternatively be seen as a vote of confidence from GM Bob Quinn regarding the status of Pettigrew's recovery and subsequent chance of starting Week 1. Nonethless, Mulligan's release especially bodes well for both Cole Wick's and Andrew Quarless' odds of cracking the final 53-man roster.