SB Nation - Terrelle Smith

Full Rundown of Lions' Recent Roster Moves

Sean Yuille — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:50:22 -0000

The Lions have been quite busy this week making changes to their roster. I wouldn't exactly call it a roster shakeup considering injuries forced two of the moves, but I am glad there are at least a few new faces in wake of what happened in Baltimore last Sunday. The season is as good as over already, but the Lions might as well get a look at as many players as they can with 2010 quickly approaching. Anyway, here is a rundown of the moves the Lions made this week:

Placed RB Kevin Smith (knee) and TE Casey FitzSimmons (concussion) on injured reserve
Signed RB Cedric Peerman from the practice squad to fill Smith's spot on the roster
Signed free agent TE Michael Matthews to fill FitzSimmons' spot on the roster
Claimed CB/KR Brian Witherspoon (he was waived by Jacksonville on Monday)
Released CB Jahi Word-Daniels to make room for Witherspoon
Released FB Terrelle Smith just days after Baltimore's Terrell Suggs called him out for taking a cheap shot at his injured knee
Claimed OG Roy Schuening to fill the open roster spot (he was waived by Oakland on Tuesday)
Signed WR Eric Fowler and DT Terrance Taylor (former Michigan player) to the practice squad

As you can see, it's been a busy week for the Lions. Although the season is winding down, it's at least good to see that the front office still has its eyes glued to the waiver wire. You never know when you might stumble upon somebody who just needed a change of scenery to really get his career going. At the same time, many of other teams' cast offs are upgrades over players currently on the roster, so the Lions probably figure that they might as well bring in talent whenever they can.

Tuesday Notes: Kevin Smith to Have Surgey on Injured Knee

Sean Yuille — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:26:07 -0000

As mentioned in a FanShot, Kevin Smith is out for the season and will have surgery on his injured knee. Smith has "at least a knee ligament injury," but Jim Schwartz cautioned that multiple ligaments could be damaged. The thing is that we won't know for sure until Smith actually has the surgery and doctors can get a better look at it. It is very common for other ligaments to be damaged at the same time as the ACL, so there is definitely a chance that Smith could have injured his MCL or PCL as well. Let's hope it was only his ACL, but Schwartz certainly didn't sound too optimistic on Monday.
Louis Delmas left Sunday's game fairly early on after re-injuring his ankle. Schwartz didn't discuss just how severe the injury might be, but he didn't sound too concerned, either, saying that he was "encouraged by the tests that have come back." Let's hope the injury isn't anything big and he will be back against Arizona.
Longsnapper Don Muhlbach left Sunday's game after hurting his arm and also possibly sustaining a concussion. He actually was on a cart on the sideline, and Schwartz officially declared Muhlbach's status as "up in the air." Dominic Raiola did a decent job filling in for Muhlbach, though the snap on one field goal was a bit low. I don't know if the Lions will just have Raiola handle the longsnapping duties if Muhlbach can't play this week or if they will bring someone else in, but you would think with a week of practice Raiola could do a good enough job to take over for Muhlbach for another game.
Based on what Jim Schwartz said on Monday, I wouldn't expect to see Aaron Brown returning kicks anytime soon unless there is an injury to Derrick Williams.
Baltimore's Terrell Suggs insinuated that the Lions, specifically Terrelle Smith, went after his injured knee on Sunday.
An "uncut" video of Matthew Stafford mic'd up during the final moments of the Browns game has been posted on NFL.com.
Bill Ford Jr. is too busy with Ford to deal with the Lions now-a-days. Specifically, he said that he is "quite out of touch" with what's going on with the Lions.

Friday Notes: Calvin Johnson Returns to Practice

Sean Yuille — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:48:20 -0000

My confidence level in a Lions victory over the Rams has changed quite a bit this week. On Monday, with there still being no word on the status of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, I was predicting a Lions victory, but there wasn't a ton of confidence behind that. After Tuesday, I started to gain more confidence after learning that Stafford had returned to practice. My confidence grew even more one day later after hearing that Stafford had again practiced. After yesterday, my confidence in a Lions victory rose to an all-time high, because Calvin Johnson returned to practice. As long as Johnson's knee responds well to the practice and he doesn't suffer any setbacks, it appears that the Lions' deep-ball connection between Stafford and Megatron will be on the field on Sunday. That's great news considering the Rams will likely present many opportunities to go deep, which could make for a big day for both Stafford and Johnson.
Stafford practiced for the third day in a row on Thursday, so I would peg his chances of playing on Sunday as probable. It appears that he should be good to go barring any unforeseen setbacks.
Terrelle Smith returned to practice on Thursday, whereas Jason Hunter and Zack Follett were sidelined with an ankle injury and an illness, respectively.
Gunther Cunningham apparently has a list of players that are basically on notice, and if they don't start playing better, they will be headed to the bench.
Brandon Pettigrew is surprisingly on pace to have a great rookie season by a tight end's standards.
Larry Foote would "love" to finish his career in Detroit.
Here is an interesting (and depressing) stat on Sunday's game from Inhistoric, SB Nation's sports history blog (HT: Turf Show Times):

Next Sunday's matchup between the Rams and the Detroit Lions will be one for the history books (no, seriously). Both teams have lost 17 of 18 games and 25 of their last 27. And if the Rams go 0-16, and it would make this game the only matchup in NFL history between a team coming off a win-less season and a team on its way to a win-less season.
Some people are dubbing this the "Toilet Bowl" on account of how bad the Lions and Rams have been in recent history. I think that would only be an accurate description if Stafford and Megatron don't play.
Carson Butler has been signed to the 49ers' practice squad.

NFC West Breakdown: Arizona Cardinals

Pyromnc — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:17 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

3 months ago: Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells (26) breaks a tackle against Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL preseason game Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Browse more photos »

Key Additions: TE Dominique Byrd (Rams), LB Reggie Walker (Undrafted FA), TE Anthony Becht (Rams), RB Jason Wright (Browns), DB Bryant McFadden (Steelers).

Key Losses: RB Edgerrin James (Seahawks), DE Antonio Smith (Texans), RB J.J. Arrington (Broncos, now FA), FB Terrelle Smith (Lions), LB Monty Beisel (Chiefs), TE Leonard Pope (Cut), S Aaron Francisco (Cut), LB Victor Hobson (Cut), FB Tim Castille (Cut).

Draft: RB Chris Wells (1st), DE/LB Cody Brown (2nd), S Rashad Johnson (3rd), CB Greg Toler (4th), OT Herman Johnson (5th), DE/LB Will Davis (6th), RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (7th), OG Trevor Canfield (7th).

In 2008 the Arizona Cardinals shocked the world by winning their division, dominating in the playoffs, and coming within 2 minutes of winning the Super Bowl. Despite doubters who thought that the Cardinals were not a legitimate playoff team, the Red Birds put together three playoff victories and were within two minutes of winning Super Bowl 43. The same doubters are now describing last season, and especially last January, as a "fluke" or claiming that the Cardinals will be another team to fall victim to the dreaded "Super Bowl curse." These are the type of comments that the team thrived on in the playoffs and they hope they can use it to their advantage this season.

After the Super Bowl loss there were some key areas that the Cards hoped to address this off season that plagued them throughout the year last year. Anquan Boldin, Darnell Dockett (or Nine-0), Karlos Dansby, Adrian Wilson, and Kurt Warner all wanted or needed new contracts. They took care of three of those five mentioned, Warner got a two year deal, Dansby was franchised, and Wilson got a five year deal. Q and Nine-0 were told they won't talk contract until they are in the final year of their deals. Other areas of need were upgrading were the rushing attack, the secondary, and special teams. They added to each group by drafting RB Beanie Wells, signing Jason Wright (a beast on special teams), and signing DB Bryant McFadden. They hope that these new additions will upgrade their respective units.

The 2008 offense that dominated so much returns with just a few changes this season and more experience. The team lost their most productive RB in a long time by cutting Edge and replacing him with Wells. Wells was a monster tail back for Ohio State and he hopes to have the same success in the NFL. So far though he has been injured but from the two games he has played in he has shown enough that Cardinals fans are already asking for him to start the opener against the Niners. That starting job will go to Tim Hightower who has lost body fat and put on more muscle to prove that he can be a reliable back in this league. This unit also replaced RB J.J. Arrington, our 3rd down back and kick returner, with Hyphen (Howling) whom they hope can be just as elusive and fast as JJ was on kick returns.

The rest of the offense is virtually the same with the exception of Anthony Becht, who was added to the tight ends mix, and receiver Lance Long. The starting 5 on the OL return and should be better having another year under Russ Grimm and backups like Brandon Keith and Elton Brown. Keith looking especially promising and could be a future starter. All in all this offense still has all the potential to look just as good as last year and if they all stay healthy they should be among the best again.

The defensive unit is loaded with talent, just like the offense, but their problem is actually doing their job every week on a consistent basis. One week the can get constant pressure on a QB, no matter how good the OL is, and they win the turnover battle. The next week they won't do either of those and allow several touchdowns. The problem is that they are already showing these problems again in preseason play, playing very well in the first two games and than doing the opposite in the last two. There is no doubt that if this team wants to continue the success they had last year the defense will have to perform as they did in January. They can't make stupid mistakes and they need to play hard every down, which some players have a hard time doing unless on a national stage game that puts them in the spotlight (Darnell Dockett).

The strength of this team on defense has to be the secondary with Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle manning the safety positions and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and newly acquired Byrant McFadden manning the corners. Although they have struggled in preseason this unit is considered by many to be one of the top secondaries in the league, something they were far from last season.

The weakest part of the defense has to be the front seven (LB and DL). They lack a whole lot of depth at these positions, which we need since Clark Haggans, Bertrand Berry, and Chike Okeafor are all over 30. Calais Campbell is trying to replace Antonio Smith, who was very important to this team in the playoffs. They have Gerald Hayes and Karlos Dansby at ILB but if one of them goes down we don't have a whole lot behind them to step in with udrafted rookie Reggie Walker and 2nd year player Ali Highsmith. The DT position doesn't have much depth either with Gabe Watson coming off of knee surgery, Bryan Robinson being over 30, and Alan Branch still not doing what the first pick in the 2nd round is supposed to be doing. Definitely tons of questions on the defense but still lots of promise if they can stay healthy and play hard.

This is definitely going to be an interesting year for the Cards coming off a season in which they had so much success. They will have an up hill battle again this season though as everyone thinks they are a one year wonder and will fall back into oblivion again this year. If the Cards want to prove those naysayers wrong they are going to have to be consistent on offense, consistent defense, and stay healthy. It's certainly shaping up to be an interesting year as the Cards look to "Shock the World" again.

Record for 2009: 10-6
Record Vs the NFC West: 5-1

Poll

Who Wins the NFC West this Season?

San Francisco 49ers

21 votes

St. Louis Rams

6 votes

Seattle Seahawks

32 votes

Arizona Cardinals

280 votes

339 votes | Poll has closed

Thursday Notes: Inconsistency Highlights 7-on-7 Drill

Sean Yuille — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:32:15 -0000

More photos » by Carlos Osorio - AP

4 months ago: Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws during at NFL football training camp in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Browse more photos »

Louis Delmas missed practice again today and is officially day-to-day with a knee injury.
Grady Jackson missed the morning session of practice yesterday, but it wasn't because he was injured. Jackson and Ephraim Salaam both only participated in one practice, as the Lions want to slowly ease them into camp, especially Jackson since he had only practiced once since signing with Detroit.
Jordon Dizon and John Standeford missed the afternoon session of practices yesterday due to injury.
Jared DeVries missed the afternoon session on Wednesday as well, though he was out because of personal reasons.
After struggling in the 7-on-7 drill yesterday, the Lions' quarterbacks performed better today.
Drew Stanton's unit was the only one to score in Wednesday's two-minute drill.
Matthew Stafford threw a no-look pass to Calvin Johnson on Tuesday.
The battle for the third running back spot on the roster will likely be between Aveion Cason and Aaron Brown. Both are also returners and are very similar players in general. Brown has age working for him, as he is younger and hasn't had a chance to prove himself. Cason, on the other hand, has the obvious edge in experience. One area where Brown clearly has Cason beat is speed, so we will have to see how big of a factor that plays when the final round of roster cuts arrives.

(More after the jump)

Philip Zaroo of the Highlight Reel has a recap of how the offense and defense performed during practice yesterday. Also in the defense post is a funny moment with offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam.
Jerome Felton has been getting some carries out of a 2-fullback set that features him and Terrelle Smith.
Gunther Cunningham really likes the Detroit area and its people.
Rich Gannon thinks Matthew Stafford will be the Lions' starter when the season opens.
Ernie Accorsi was invited to practice by Jim Schwartz.
With this whole Twitter-fad going on right now, some teams, including the Lions, have prohibited the media from Tweeting while watching practice. What's funny is that any fan with a cell phone can do just that, yet the media aren't allowed to. Something just doesn't make sense about that policy.
Michael Crabtree is threatening to sit out the 2009 season and re-enter the draft in 2010.

Arizona Cardinals Pre-Training Camp Roster Projections: Full Back

Hawkwind — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:00:09 -0000

Our pre-training camp roster projections lands on quite possibly the least glamorous position in the NFL today. Not only do full backs get very little love or attention but their also a dying breed. There was a time when these 'guards wearing tail back numbers' who substituted huge shoulder for necks were celebrated, but today they are practically an endangered species. Today the league prefers three wide out sets as opposed to the power I and 'hybrid' fullbacks who can contribute on special teams but is there a place for the traditional 'fire hydrant' type of fullback on this Cardinals roster?

On the Bubble

Dan Kreider, Tim Castille, Justin Green

The Cardinals carried two fullbacks last year, one traditional (Terrelle Smith) and one hybrid (Tim Castille) but that's not the NFL norm. It'll be interesting to see if Whisenhunt and his staff chose to go with two fullbacks again or if they can settle on one fill multiple roles. For the record, no one is eligible for the practice squad.

Dan Kreider: If ever there was a player who could have "Whiz and Grimm guy" stamped on his forehead it would be Dan Kreider. He is quite simply a hand in the ground, mud on the jersey, old school full back. In ten NFL seasons he racked up a grand total of 32 carries and two touchdowns. He doesn't play special teams and he doesn't have the ball in his hands very often. When Kreider (5-11, 250) is in the game, he's there to act as a lead blocker and when he's healthy, he's awful good at it.

Tim Castille: Castille is the new wave of he NFL fullback. He can play special teams, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and he can carry the ball on occasion and he can even block a little, but up until this point he really hasn't been utilized by the Cards. Entering his third season, this could be the year that Castille (5-11, 238) grabs a hold of the fullback job and never looks back. If he's improved his blocking enough, he just might impress the coaching staff enough to reduce the fullback position to a single player.

Justin Green: Green is a bit of an unknown at this point considering that he was signed to a futures contract earlier in the off season which means that he didn't play in the league in 2008. We can't find any reports of him missing the season due to injuries although there are rumors that some sort of injury led to his release in Baltimore and his one day stint with the Jets. If there is such a thing as a 'tweener' fullback, then Green probably fits that role. He was a tail back in college but has spent his professional career as a full back and special team's player. He's described as an adequate blocker though so he's got a chance considering that he's only 27.

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The full back spot looks like a virtual crap shoot and just about any combination, outside of retaining all three seem realistic. Maybe it's the same thought process as last year with Krieder replacing Smith or maybe Castille's time as a hybrid experiment is over and they keep just Kreider as a traditional blocking back. Then again maybe they decide that Green is the best of both worlds and he's the guy that sticks and even farther out there is the possibility that Dominique Byrd's experimentation with the H-back role works so well that they don't even keep a full back (even I'll admit that sounds pretty crazy for Whiz and Grimm). How do you think it'll play out?

2009 Schedule Preview: Week 1 vs. the Detroit Lions

Saintsational — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:00:14 -0000

We begin now with our early look at each of the Saints 2009 opponents. These posts will offer just a brief overview of each opponents off-season moves, detailing the more important ones, and quickly discuss how each team might match up against the Saints this year. We begin at the very beginning, a very good place to start: The Detroit Lions.

Of course we all know the story of the winless Detroit Lions of last year, right? Presumptuous Saints fans will consider this a sure win and an easy start to a Superbowl season. Well guess what...it's not 2008; the Lions are banking on that. That means anything can happen. Heck, if the Lions were in the NFC South, a first place finish in the division would be a lock. Fortunately they're not, but the Lions have nowhere to go but up. A new head coach, Jim Schwartz in his first season at the position, mixed with a heavily revamped team with a lot to prove, could be a dangerous combination. Let's take a look at how far the Lions have come and what we might expect right out of the box.

Lions Offense

It's not really possible to even begin to speculate on what the Lions offense will look like next season. With rookie quarterback Matt Stafford expected to be the starter from week one, there is sure to be a learning curve and a "getting to know you" period before anything begins to really click. This should be good news for the Saints, who get to play the Lions early and before they go on any sort of Cinderalla story-like tear.

Stafford will have some decent targets to throw to in Detroit. Though the Lions enter 2009 without Shaun McDonald or Mike Furrey, the team still has an incredible receiving threat in Calvin Johnson, they've added Dennis Northcutt, Bryant Johnson and Ronald Curry through free agency and drafted tight end Brandon Pettigrew late in the first round of the draft this year.

In the running department the Lions leading rusher, Kevin Smith, returns as the inevitable starter while newly acquired Maurice Morris should take over backup duties from Rudi Johnson, who is no longer with the team. They also added fullback Terrelle Smith.

The Saints defense may very well be going through their own transition period at the time with new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams calling the shots but they should still have the advantage in this matchup.

Lions Defense

The Lions defense finished dead last in so many categories last season; there is no place for them to go but up. With improvement needed everywhere, the team has attempted to add depth at nearly every position. Detroit upgraded their line with Grady Jackson to offset the loss of Shaun Cody, added veteran linebacker Larry Foote for help in the middle and signed Phillip Buchanon and Eric King to help stop the pass. They also drafted safety Louis Delmas with their third pick in the draft.

That being said, if the Saints offense can peform at nearly the same level as last year then expect the black and gold to win this matchup hands down.

Lions 2009 Season

0-16 record

Last Meeting

December 21, 2008

Week 16 1 2 3 4 OT Final

Saints 14 14 14 0 0 42

Lions 0 7 0 0 0 7

Why the Saints can win

Because the Lions were really bad last year. Really bad.

Why the Saints can lose

Because the Lions have to win eventually.

Prediction

Saints 35 - Lions 10

Free Agent Pickups

RB Maurice Morris

WR Dennis Northcutt

WR Ronald Curry

WR Bryant Johnson

TE Will Heller

OT Daniel Loper

OT Jon Jansen

DE Jason Hunter

DT Grady Jackson

OLB Julian Peterson

ILB Larry Foote

ILB Cody Spencer

CB Phillip Buchanon

CB Eric King

CB/S Anthony Henry

S Marquand Manuel

2009 Draft Picks

QB Matt Stafford

TE Brandon Pettigrew

FS Louis Delmas

LB DeAndre Levy

WR Derrick Williams

DT Sammie Lee Hill

RB Aaron Brown

OT Lydon Murtha

OLB Zack Follett

TE Dan Gronkowski

Key losses

QB Jon Kitna

QB Dan Orlovsky

QB Drew Henson

RB Rudi Johnson

FB Moran Norris

FB Jon Bradley

WR Shaun McDonald

WR Mike Furrey

TE Dan Campbell

TE Michael Gaines

TE John Owens

OT George Foster

OT Junius Coston

OT Jon Dunn

G Edwin Mulitalo

C Andy McCollum

DE Corey Smith

DT Cory Redding

DT Shaun Cody

DT Langston Moore

OLB Ryan Nece

OLB Alex Lewis

ILB Paris Lenon

CB Leigh Bodden

CB Travis Fisher

CB Stanley Wilson

S Dwight Smith

Linkage

Pride Of Detroit

Lions vs Saints coverage

CSC: Saints @ Lions Postgame

CSC: Saints @ Lions: Who Dat Say!?

CSC: Saints @ Lions: Making the Grade

Detroit Lions 2009 Transactions

Detroit Lions 2009 Draft

Detroit Lions 2009 Free Agent Tracker

Detroit Lions 2009 Roster

Poll

What will be the outcome of the Saints week 1 match-up against the Lions?

The Saints will win handily

405 votes

The Saints will win a squeeker

97 votes

The Lions will win handily

43 votes

The Lions will win a squeeker

155 votes

700 votes | Poll has closed

Arizona Cardinals News: Looking Ahead to the 2010 Off Season (Part II)

Hawkwind — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:12:05 -0000

More photos » by Matt York - AP

6 months ago: Arizona Cardinals' Leonard Pope, left, and Alex Shor, right, run blocking drills during the Cardinals mini-camp Monday, June 1, 2009 at the Cardinals' training facility in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Browse more photos »

We took a look at the defensive free agents for the Arizona Cardinals last week and today we bring you the 2010 offensive free agents. The list is headlined by starting left tackle, Mike Gandy but is also includes some other important starters, as well as numerous guys who provide quality depth.

As we said last week, we should also mention that some of the younger guys will be effected by the status of the CBA next summer. One of the stipulations of the uncapped year will be a change in unrestricted status: currently players can be unrestricted free agents after their fouth season; next year players cannot achieve that unless they've accrued six years. For guys like Gabe Watson, Leonard Pope and Duece Lutui, that could be the difference between free agent freedom or another year under the control of the Cardinals. With that being said, lets take a look at the possible free agents on the offensive side of the ball for next summer......

Mike Gandy: I think the Cardinals got much more out of Gandy than they ever expected when they signed him three years ago. He was primarily a guard who had some experience playing tackle but the Cardinals needed a left tackle. In the past two seasons he's stepped in and performed admirably, outside of the Super Bowl, while facing the best pass rushers that the league had to offer. Gandy will be 31 years old next summer and if Whiz learned anything from his days in Pittsburgh, we will probably be watching the last season of Gandy in a Cardinals uniform this fall.

Brian St. Pierre: I imagine that St. Pierre signed a one year deal this off season with one thought in mind: second string QB or bust. He's been buried on a depth chart for his entire career and has never really put up a fight for a backup job but he's looking to change that during training camp. According to multiple reports, St. Pierre re-signed with the Cardinals under the stipulation that he'd be given an honest chance at winning the backup job from Matt Leinart. I'm sure his interest in returning to the Cardinals next summer will depend a great deal on how that battle turns out.
Sean Morey: Morey made one of the most memorable plays in Cardinals' history when he blocked a punt in overtime win a game over the hated Cowboys. That play and his stellar work throughout the rest of the season earned him his first Pro Bowl nod. Morey's the definition of a 'Whisenhunt guy' but his age (will turn 34 next February) and a solid group of young special team standouts, will likely keep the Cardinals from retaining him.
Anthony Becht: Becht was signed this summer in an effort to find a tight end who could stay healthy and somewhat productive this season. He's huge tight end (6'5 280) who basically serves as a third offensive tackle, but if he can stay healthy he could establish himself as the team's best tight end. His age (soon to be 32), might ensure that his one year deal is the only year that he wears a Cardinals' uniform, but at this position you just never konw.
Dan Kreider: Kreider's another former Steeler that Whiz brought in and he should serve as the traditional, bull-dozing full back this season. If he can stay healthy, he should be as productive as Terrelle Smith was last season, but he's probably a one year stop-gap considering that he'll turn 33 next March.
Jerheme Urban: Urban had a career year in 2008 and he should be in store for another similar season, if he can hold off Early Doucet for the fourth receiver's job. Urban will likely be looking for more money and a more playing time than the Cardinals are willing to offer, but his chances of re-signing could increase if Boldin is traded next off season. In all likelihood though, Urban will get much better offers on the open market.

Restricted Free Agents and/or Guys who will be Effected by the CBA:

Deuce Lutui: Lutui should be entering his first year as an unrestricted free agent but unless something changes in the next 10 months, he'll fall into the 'restricted' class for another two seasons. He's been a 'hot-button' starter over the past couple of seasons and plenty of fans are still calling for his job and it's likely that he'll have to fight for the job during camp. Given that he's under the control of the team, he'll be back whether or not he's the starter in 2009.
Leonard Pope: Pope went through his season of 'restricted' free agency this off season but unless the CBA changes, he'll be restricted for one more season next summer. Pope's upcoming season is a completely unknown though as reasonable expectations range anywhere from winning the starting job to being cut. He'll likely have to prove that he can stay healthy and reasonably productive this season or the club could let him walk, regardless of his status.
Elton Brown: Brown is pretty much in the same boat as Pope considering that he went through his first year of unrestricted status this off season, but he'll most likely be a restricted free agent next off season. Given his versatility, starting experience and how cheap he'll be, I'd imagine the Cardinals tender him next summer.
Stephen Spach: We all know Spach's story by now and the good news for the Cardinals is that he'll likely be a restricted free agent next off season. Whether or not he ends up laying claim to the starting job, he should be back next season considering it won't take much to bring him back.
Steve Breaston: Breaston might be in store for a new contract next off season but if the Cardinals don't feel like spending big money, they won't necessarily need to either. Breaston will be restricted, so he'll be cheap, but either way he'll be a Cardinal in 2010.
Ben Patrick: Patrick will be restricted whether the CBA get's extended or not and given his talent level, that's a good thing. Patrick's got starting potential and he'll likely be given the chance to prove it during training camp.

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There are also handful of other youngster who will be either restricted or exclusive rights free agents, including Lyle Sendlein, Tim Castille, Elliot Vallejo, Ben Claxton, Tyler Palko, Donovan Raiola, Lance Long and Alex Shor among others, but the club won't have a problem retaining any of them, if they so choose. Overall Gandy looks like the biggest name on the list and it'll be interesting how his spot is filled if they choose to let him walk. Who would you keep and what are your predictions?

Friday Notes: Lions Sign Pair of Players

Sean Yuille — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:56:12 -0000

As noted in a FanShot yesterday, the Lions signed wide receiver Ronald Curry and fullback Terrelle Smith to one-year deals. Curry visited earlier this week and helps upgrade the wide receiver position. Regardless of whether or not Matthew Stafford is drafted, the Lions needed to improve their receiving corps behind Calvin Johnson, and this offseason I think they have accomplished that goal. As for Smith, he seems like someone that could become a starter. He and Jerome Felton will probably compete for the starting fullback job this summer.
Matthew Stafford participated in a chat on ESPN.com yesterday.
Stafford also made the rounds on TV, doing interviews for both ESPN and NFL Network. Although I am strongly against the Lions drafting him, I will admit that Stafford seemed very level-headed and down to earth. If he does end up being the Lions' pick, I do think he will be a good person to have representing the franchise. Again, I hope he isn't picked, but if he is I think I will be able to deal with it after the initial anger wears off.
The Lions apparently looked into centers Alex Mack, Eric Wood, and Max Unger and are considering them for their second-round pick.
Eastern Michigan offensive lineman T.J. Lang visited the Lions and worked out for the team. He is a versatile lineman who is watching his stock quickly rise.
The Lions hosted Michigan's Carson Butler for a visit recently. His pro day was run by the Lions' tight ends coach, and apparently they are interested in Butler, who is expected to be a late-round pick. Butler was switched to defensive end midway through last season based on the fact that he was beat out by a freshman at tight end and because he never seemed to buy into the program. Mel Kiper has been someone talking up Butler and how much potential he has, but I just don't see it. Butler was a terrible blocker, and although he has great athleticism, it says a lot when a freshman beats you out. Also, he beat the crap out of a Michigan student back on St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. The worst part is that the student he beat up wasn't the one he was even looking for. It was a big mistake that resulted in the student being sent to the hospital.
Cris Collinsworth is going to replace John Madden as NBC's color commentator.

Arizona Cardinals Sign Another Former Steeler, Dan Kreider

Hawkwind — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:42:50 -0000

Apparently the Arizona Cardinals looked up and down their roster and decided they could use one more former Steeler. To fill that void they signed former Steeler Dan Kreider, a 32 year old blocking fullback, to a one year contract. Kreider spent the first eight seasons of his career in Pittsburgh before spending less than a full season in St. Louis (they cut him in August). When healthy, Krieder is an excellent lead blocker but that's about all he can contribute to a team. He doesn't play special teams and hasn't ever had double digit carries in his career, although he's topped 10 receptions twice in nine seasons.

The addition of Kreider officially closes the door on Terrelle Smith and means that there are three fullbacks on the roster right now. Tim Castille returns as the versatile fullback and Justin Green as added after the season as a possible blocking back. I guess it goes without saying that Kreider is a "Whiz/Grimm guy" but his addition certainly would suggest that the Cardinals will enter the 2009 season with a re-newed dedication to the running game. What do you guys think about Kreider? What, if anything, does he bring to the table that Terrelle Smith doesn't have?

Week 16	1	2	3	4	OT	Final
Saints	14	14	14	0	0	42
Lions	0	7	0	0	0	7

SB Nation - Terrelle Smith

Full Rundown of Lions' Recent Roster Moves

Tuesday Notes: Kevin Smith to Have Surgey on Injured Knee

Friday Notes: Calvin Johnson Returns to Practice

NFC West Breakdown: Arizona Cardinals

Who Wins the NFC West this Season?

San Francisco 49ers

St. Louis Rams

Seattle Seahawks

Arizona Cardinals

Thursday Notes: Inconsistency Highlights 7-on-7 Drill

Arizona Cardinals Pre-Training Camp Roster Projections: Full Back

2009 Schedule Preview: Week 1 vs. the Detroit Lions

Lions Defense

Lions 2009 Season 0-16 record Last Meeting December 21, 2008 Week 16 1 2 3 4 OT Final Saints 14 14 14 0 0 42 Lions 0 7 0 0 0 7

Lions 2009 Season 0-16 record

Lions 2009 Season

Last Meeting

Why the Saints can win

Why the Saints can lose

Prediction

Free Agent Pickups

2009 Draft Picks

Key losses

Linkage

What will be the outcome of the Saints week 1 match-up against the Lions?

The Saints will win handily

The Saints will win a squeeker

The Lions will win handily

The Lions will win a squeeker

Arizona Cardinals News: Looking Ahead to the 2010 Off Season (Part II)

Friday Notes: Lions Sign Pair of Players

Arizona Cardinals Sign Another Former Steeler, Dan Kreider

Lions 2009 Season

0-16 record

Last Meeting

December 21, 2008

Week 16 1 2 3 4 OT Final

Saints 14 14 14 0 0 42

Lions 0 7 0 0 0 7

Lions 2009 Season

0-16 record