Free agent Nate Burleson says he's already been contacted by a "couple of teams," and expects to find a new home in the near future.

The Detroit News speculates the Cowboys and Bucs are two teams that could have interest. Former Lions OC Scott Linehan is now the "passing-game coordinator" in Dallas. Burleson appeared to be running on fumes after he returned from his broken arm last season, but his reliable hands and leadership will be appealing to teams looking for a reserve wideout.

DetroitLions.com doesn't expect free agent Nate Burleson to re-sign with the team at a reduced rate.

Per reporter Tim Twentyman, the team is ready to move on. The Lions have seen the same film we have, as Burleson appeared to have little left after returning from his broken arm last season, catching just 13 total passes over his final five games. Burleson's separation skills have been in steady decline since he first arrived in Detroit in 2010. He's near the end.

Lions released WR Nate Burleson.

"It's a hard decision for them to make, but I can't blame them for making it," Burleson told the Detroit Free Press. In reality, it was a no brainer, even for a team short on receivers. Going on 33, Burleson was practically nonexistent last season, and due $5.5 million in 2014. It was an untenable sum for a team with all sorts of cap problems. Injuries have limited Burleson to just 15 combined games the past two seasons, while his separation skills have vanished. Despite all that, he intends to keep playing. Receiver was already a massive need for the Lions, but now they're perilously low on bodies, let alone skill. Tapping the fertile free-agent market or using an early-round pick on a wideout will be a must.

MLive.com expects the Lions to ask Nate Burleson to take a pay cut this offseason.

Burleson appeared in just nine games this season due to injury and is currently owed $5.5 million in 2014. With a new coaching staff coming in, he'll likely need to restructure his contract to remain with the team. The Lions are expected to upgrade their No. 2 receiver position this offseason, so Burleson could be limited to slot duties if he returns.

Nate Burleson caught five balls for 64 yards in the Lions' Week 17 loss to the Vikings.

Burleson missed more than a month with a fracture of his arm following an in-season car accident, and returned to provide Detroit's offense with very little stretch-run spark. Turning 33 years old next August, Burleson is owed an unwieldy $5.5 million in 2014. The Lions shouldn't be willing to take him back at that salary. It's past time Detroit took its No. 2 receiver position more seriously. Burleson would be more of an asset as a No. 3/slot man.

Nate Burleson caught two balls for 12 yards in the Lions' Week 16 loss to the Giants.

The Lions' entire offense changes without Calvin Johnson at 100 percent, and Burleson went down the tubes with the rest of it against the G-Men. Burleson hasn't been productive since his first game back from his pizza-arm injury, which came against a Bucs defense that's been shredded by slot receivers all season long. Owners in Week 17 fantasy leagues won't be able to trust Burleson as a WR3 against the Vikings.

Nate Burleson caught four passes for 51 yards in Week 15 versus Baltimore.

Burleson finished a distant second on the team behind Calvin Johnson with his six targets. His big gain was a 23-yard catch-and-run on the opening drive that helped set up Reggie Bush's 14-yard touchdown run. Burleson has been pretty disappointing over the past three weeks, leaving his as more of a WR4. He and the Lions will host the Giants in Week 16.

Nate Burleson caught two passes for 18 yards in Sunday's Week 14 loss at Philadelphia.

Nate Burleson was held without a catch in Detroit's Week 13 win over the Packers, drawing only one target.

One week after playing 72-of-80 snaps and drawing 10 targets, Burleson was an afterthought in the game plan, taking a backseat to Kris Durham and Jeremy Ross. It was likely by design after Burleson had such a heavy workload in his Week 12 return, but the Lions made no mention of a possible snap count during the week. It's unclear how many snaps Burleson played. Burleson's WR3 status is obviously a little murky going forward, but he has an excellent Week 14 matchup in an Eagles' pass defense that's struggled in the middle of the field. Burleson's status will be updated before next week's game.

Nate Burleson played on 72-of-80 snaps in Sunday's loss to the Bucs.

The Lions didn't even attempt to ease Burleson back into the mix despite the fact that it was his first game in two months. They ran three-wide sets as a base, allowing their slot man to rack up a 7/77/1 line on 10 targets. Burleson came out of the game healthy and will be a fine WR3 option against the Packers on Thanksgiving.

Nate Burleson caught seven balls for 77 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' Week 12 loss to the Bucs.

Burleson was a huge part of Detroit's game plan, also getting a carry on a reverse, although it didn't gain any yards. Burleson will see very soft coverage looks as long as he's playing inside of Calvin Johnson. The Bucs often just left Burleson wide open over the middle Sunday. Consider Burleson a worthwhile WR3 option on Thanksgiving against Green Bay, especially in PPR.

Nate Burleson (arm) is listed as probable to face the Buccaneers in Week 12.

Burleson practiced fully on Friday, has been cleared for contact, and should be an above-50-percent player against Tampa Bay. Primarily a slot receiver in Detroit's pass-first attack, Burleson will do battle Sunday with a Bucs defense that has coughed up the following stat lines to Doug Baldwin 6-75-1, Rishard Matthews 11-120-2, and Harry Douglas 6-134-1 over the past three weeks.

The Detroit Free Press reports Nate Burleson (arm) has been cleared for contact and will likely play this week against the Bucs.

Burleson broke his arm on September 24 in a single-car accident when he tried to save two pizzas from sliding off the passenger seat. He's been practicing in full this week, working with the first-team offense. Burleson should slide in as the No. 2 receiver opposite Calvin Johnson, shifting to the slot in three-wide sets. He has WR3 upside in a plus matchup.

Nate Burleson (arm) was upgraded to "full" in Thursday's practice.

It's a strong sign that Burleson will be active for Week 12. He should immediately slide in as the Lions' No. 2 receiver against the Bucs. With Calvin Johnson drawing Darrelle Revis, Burleson could be in for a 5-6 catch afternoon. He's worth a look as a WR4.

Nate Burleson (arm) was working with the first-team in skeleton drills Wednesday.

Barring an unexpected setback, Burleson is going to be active and start Sunday's game against the Bucs. It's a great spot as Tampa has been getting absolutely torched by slot receivers. Rishard Matthews and Harry Douglas have combined to catch 17 passes for 254 yards with three touchdowns against the Bucs in the last two weeks.

Nate Burleson (arm) said there would have to be a "major setback" for him not to play in Sunday's game against the Bucs.

Burleson is awaiting medical clearance that appears to be a formality. He's expected to step right back in as the No. 2 wideout and slot receiver on a team that ranks second in pass attempts this season. "If I'm going to play on Sunday, I want to be in the game plan," Burleson said. "I don't want to be limited."

Nate Burleson believes "there's a chance" he returns in Week 12 against the Bucs.

Burleson's tempered optimism comes one day after coach Jim Schwartz said it's a "possibility" he returns this week. The Lions have slow played Burleson's return, but it would be surprising if this wasn't the week he finally rejoins the Lions' starting lineup. He should be owned in 12-14 team leagues.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Monday there's a "possibility" Nate Burleson (arm) returns to action in Week 12.

The Lions next play the Bucs, who've been gashed by slot receivers like Rishard Matthews and Harry Douglas. "He's on a good track," Schwartz said of Burleson. The Lions are now tied atop the NFC North with the Bears following a Week 11 loss to Pittsburgh. We suspect Burleson will start against Tampa.

Nate Burleson (arm) is tentatively expected to return for Week 12.

Barring a setback, the Detroit News sees Burleson playing against the Bucs. It will be his first game since breaking his forearm during ahead of Week 4. Burleson needs to be owned in 12- and 14-team leagues as he was averaging 6.3 catches for 79.6 yards before going down.

Lions declared WR Nate Burleson, RE Ziggy Ansah, CB Bill Bentley, RT Corey Hilliard, RB Montell Owens, QB Kellen Moore and OG Leroy Harris inactive for Week 11 against the Steelers.