The waiver period is over.   Open game for all players to go to teams.  Our practice start is starting to fill up WR Tim Toone, LB Caleb Campbell, WR Mike Moore  .. ( Toone, Jon Hefney are also getting offers from the CFL?) per cmccosky twitter)  For $5200 a week, heck yeah, i would love to be on the practice squad!!!

 

Bly was my shocker yesterday.. but tom kowalski says they my pick up him in a few weeks so the contract is not guaranteed

 

Your thoughts?

According to John Niyo DT Robert Callaway was cut.   DB Paul Pratt was signed after the release.   Not sure this is just for the practice (from all the injuries) or if he will make the team.  Let's see what falls into place.  The inujury bug has been popping up in the last few practices, along with other NFL teams.  It will be interesting to see who is cut to the 53 and if the Lions are comfortable with the bottom of their roster.

Shawn Springs (wanted him over Joey Harrington) was dropped from the Patriots... Is he worth persuing?  He has experience but it sounds like he did not do well in New England last year?    Your thoughts?   Could he be better than any of the CB's we have?   Mayhew was right with some of the roster drops.  Their loss could be our gain?  If they fit those pieces in the backfield with our improved frontline our defense could be better than predicted!

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/11403/skins-cant-ask-for-cash-in-haynesworth-deal

 

This was posted by the ESPN blogs and could be a possibility?... Haynesworth AND Portis to the Lions?  I don't think picks need to be swapped if we are taking these guys.  mayhew will see to that.. hee hee

I'm a little down on Hayneworth unless you think Jim may get him back to his dominating ways .  Also if somehow Portis could redo his contract this could work out upon a trade to DET.  Maybe with new surrounding both guys will explode.   Apparently money cannot be given back to WASH to pick up Haynesworth according to the rules


Of course does this would mean Okung would be our pick in the draft if this happens?  Or do we get Suh still and drop dead weight and have one hell of a line.... Sorry for the questions but you guys know your stuff and I want all the angles answered.

 

Thanks POD!!!!

Adam_Schefter Another trade filed to ESPN: Seattle traded guard Rob Sims to Detroit. So the Lions improve their offensive line.

  

 

per twitter!!!!!!!

YES YES YES... Absolutely the best news today..... Matt Stafford now has protection we all have hoped for.  the even better news,  the Chicago Bears did not get him.... the Lions are getting stronger by the day... HUGE MOVE...  Watch out NFC North... I've love to catch da Bears in the NFC North!   Best offseason in years....  Hell of a job mayhew...  No news on what we gave up.  I'll keep my fingers crossed.  Obvoiusly it was more than what the Bears offered!

 

Wesley expected to join Lions

By Kevin Seifert Detroit agreed to terms Friday with a free agent cornerback, but it's not the one you are probably thinking of.

Veteran Dante Wesley is putting the finishing touches on a two-year contract according to agent Russel Hicks, and will begin participating in the Lions' offseason program Monday.

Wesley has spent seven of his eight NFL seasons with Carolina, and played under new Lions special teams coordinator Danny Crossman when both were with the Panthers. Wesley will have a chance to participate in multiple coverage units, and it's possible he could compete for playing time at cornerback as well.
------------ More sold defense.... now Pacman or OL help before the draft?

Lions | Ramirez signs tender    Mon Mar 29, 10:44 AM

Adam Caplan, of Scout.com, reports via Twitter Detroit Lions restricted free-agent OG Manuel Ramirez has signed his tender, according to a source.

-----

he immediately got smart to take the offer .... no one wants him out there with no offer being made to him... my guess he will rotate with a drafted OLman in 2010...

 

this is the only news so far.. source :   footballguys .com

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/27/marion-barber-might-be-bounced-out-of-starting-lineup/

 

The thought crossed my mind months ago when the rumblings of Barber losing his starting job began in Dallas... I did not think (at his age and experience) it could happen so fast but Felix Jones is younger and must be hungry for grabbing Barbers starting spot.

 

Marion Barber a Detroit Lion?   Would you want a young drafted rookie, Barber, 27 (for a negotiated pick) or another free agent not dropped yet or stay with what we have?  We missed out on Thomas Jones who got picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs that would have not have cost a pick.  The Dallas Cowboys organization surely would like to get a pick back from the Lions fleecing to acquire Roy Williams. 

Barber showed signs of life last year but was injury prone... but he could be the power back we have always wanted (if fully healthy)... at a price .. a big contract and a pick? Could he regain his starting form as the main running back in Detroit?  Hmmm Marion Barber and Kevin Smith?  I rub my hands together wondering what could be??

 

Your thoughts on if this is even an option?

Poll

If Marion Barber becomes available, would you want him become a Lion for a Mayhew negotiated pick?

39%

heck yes

113 votes

49%

draft a rookie (more upside and cheaper)

141 votes

5%

stay with what we have , no changes

15 votes

6%

wait for other free agent options

18 votes

287 votes | Poll has closed

Obviously the Detroit Lions have improved in the offseason.  More than any other Lions offseason in a LONG while.  I strongly feel this way and I am damn excited to see our first regular season game this season (even without the draft)

  Stafford is getting healthy and will be more versed in the offense, with the same staff for the second year.  Our backup QB, thanks to acquiring S. Hill for San Fran, is now settled.  Stanton can be our 3rd stringer.

Defensively and offensively we all know what has been improved.  There are clearly  less areas to address now, thanks to some great offseason moves by the Lions front office. 

 

In my opinion LG, S, RB, LB, CB (pending Adam Jones confirmation) are our weak spots.  Are we that close to having a pretty solid team? 

 I have to be missing some areas.  Pending no trade movement , seven positions will be addressed in the 2010 draft.  What are the Lions weak spots now?  If the Lions get Hargrove, Jones and Pitts, are they only a LB, RB and S away from really causing a stir in the NFC North?  

I value the opinions here.  Where do we do from here?

This one has slipped my mind.  I cannot believe we have not talked aout this... {this option has slipped under the radar and could happen.  They (Cunningham) hinted at it during the season last year)}

 Who would you rather have Suh or DORSEY from KC? 

 

 I do not have the info / statlines between the two players, but if the Lions can invest a say a 3rd or 4th to get Dorsey from KC.  Our 1st pick (or even a more likely trade down) could go to Berry making our DEFENSE INSTANTLY DANGEROUS...?  (the koolaide has me a little bit).  I have to settle down here.  Am I realistic here?  A scary thought.  I really think our Lions DEF could be that good.

Poll

Who would you want?

46%

SUH

52 votes

7%

Dorsey (3rd or 4th round pick to KC?)

8 votes

41%

DORSEY (as above) and trade down

46 votes

5%

other (please post)

6 votes

112 votes | Poll has closed

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/11/blount-blows-off-pro-day/

 

WHat a joke!... A chance to make millions or at least hundred of thousands of dollars and you blow off your pro day?  LOL.  DUmb!  I can't believe it.  His name? 

 Can you say Blount?  

Sad .. Absolutely sad.   He was the guy that punched the player and got suspended for 10 games.  I guess he does not want to go to the NFL unless he has an injury or some skeletons in the closet?  I'm sure we will get an explanation soon.  Right?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/06/artis-hicks-agrees-to-three-year-deal-with-redskins/

 

OL, CB, RB are critical for the upcoming season for us to be better than the Bears.  I feel we closer to the pack but...  those three positions must be addressed before the draft.  The CB spot will be easier this year with a stronger front line.. With James exploring his options and really no CB depth, it has to be done.   Any thoughts on where the Lions go from here?  We still have a way to go but those three spots filled with make me breathe easier.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/04/cardinals-release-antrel-rolle/

 

One thing many have not commented on.  the Lions can get him right now.. seriously,.  they are #2 on the waiver wire... no one would expect to sign him... get him now and redo the contract... Yes like would be on the hook on his ... 4 mill bonus due tommorrow and a 8 mill salary. yes... why not extend it and get the guy if it were that easy...

 

They have 7 hours to get him on waivers (can any one confirm this?)  the Lions can fill a huge hole with him and Selmas!!!!!!  that would be ballsy by the Lions brass.. It probably won't happen but... your thoughts????  The draft could be even more directed to the right areas!!!

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/04/chargers-change-their-minds-on-sproles/

 

This just about assures the Lions in NOT getting Sproles.  If they draft a RB it would be at the Lions terms  not giving up a first AND third.  Yes.  The Chargers put the highest tender on Sproles just a few moments ago.   I personally think it is a great move by the Chargers being that Sproles should be the top 3 RB free agents available.   If someone wants him they will have to pay for him... According to the caption above, he apparently had 5 teams already interested in him.  Well done Chargers.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100303/SPORTS0101/3030429/1126/Lions-tender-offers-to-restricted-free-agents-Ramirez--Gandy

Only 2 Lions so far

Ramirez, Gandy so far.... We will know tomorrow the complete list.  Hunter better be there! 

It has been madening wondering who will be on the list.  Then the fun begins on Friday 12AM! 

 

Are you surprised with the early selections? 

 

Who do you want to keep of the RFA's below?

gaurd Daniel Loper, defensive end Jason Hunter, safety Daniel Bullocks, safety Ko Simpson,  linebacker Cody Spencer, defensive end Copeland Bryant and cornerback Kevin Hobbs?

Matt Jones... Does anyone remember this guy?  He was actually a starting promising WR for the Jags till be got caught in Arkansas with cocaine.  If I remember correctly, he was actually a pretty good #2 WR.   Jones could stretch the field.

 (I totally forgot about him but I signed him last year to my fantasy team as a injured player thinking he would find a job last year.  I might be ok.)

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/12/matt-jones-picks-the-bengals/

 As we have been talking about Stallworth... his past  and issues... could we have missed a gem wanting to get back in the NFL?  

 Did Mayhew try and Jones said no?  Not likely because there are not many options available out there.

 It is the same risk if we sign Stallworth.  The key is who makes the 53 player team final roster.

 

Your thoughts?

Certainly!!!

 

All we need is wisely selected talent in the upcoming draft and a few smart free agent moves. 

 Are you fearful that Marinelli... yes Marnelli... is now the defensive coordinator of the Bears?  No.  He was reluctant in taking the position and had to be coaxed into taking it.

 We all know that Martz, the past offensive coordinator of the Lions, is at the same position of the Chicago Bears.  Essentially, we are looking currently the Bears in flux and the Lions with a coaching staff that did not make any major coaching changes for the first time in years.  There seems to be a hidden panic in the coaching staff almost like the situation in Jacksonville.  Read between the lines.  There is pressure in the ranks in Chicago.  Not as much as Detroit but it is there.

Yes, you may say the Bears have better talent on the field, but the gap closes after this uncoming draft/free agency.  Mayhew and Schwartz absoluely cannot lose in the up coming draft with so much talent.   The Lions foundation is set with much potential to be gained. 

 Cutler has to learn the very complicated offensive sets of Martz, and it will not happen overnight.  It will take time but as we know Kitna had some good years after learning from Martz.  Cutler will to depending on how fast he adapts.  This is where the Lions can close the gap.  Advantage Stafford.  He has a year under the belt and a structured environment.  The HUGE KEY is the draft and the upcoming off season moves.

Defensively and offensively the Lions will be competitive depending on potential moves. 

We need a WR to take the pressure off of Stafford and Johnson and Pettigrew to get healthy asap.  The Bears WR staff can build off of last year .  With Martz coming in, the advantage still is Bears, but the gap is closer upon the improvements in the offseason and no changes in the Lions staff.

 TE all depends on health.  edge Chicago  

Running back wise I'd say we are even. Both Forte and Smith are injured and are recovering.  Smith may not have shoulder surgery but is recovering from the knee injury that will sideline him potentailly at the start of the season.  (PUP list).  Slight edge Chicago BUT the Lions may draft a RB and Morris is a great stop gap.

 

"Offensive line"wise the Bears have the edge to but in the off season the Lions could close the gap.  With the Lions having more picks and more potential draft movement we have more potential there (gap closed)  The Bears have limited picks in this years draft!  edge Lions

 

Which now gets us to defense.  CB and defensive line help is desperately needed (and more).  The gap will be closed in this years draft.  We will be a younger team with our weakened areas improved from last year, whereas the Bears are older with experience but potentially beatable.  Can we close that much in one year?  The koolaide is flowing but I believe it could happen. edge Chicago

 

I look forward to the two match ups with Chicago to see if we truly have closed the gap.  The clear answer is the draft.  It gets more exciting than ever to see what happens in free agency and the draft! 

 

Edge? Lions -  The draft..more picks and potentailly the smarter front office staff and luck.  (this is Mayhew and Schwartz' three biggest days to change the Lions forever)   

 

Your thoughts?

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2010/1/12/1247745/the-hype-machine

So far so good?  It's a 50/50 possiblility obviously...  Rams management may go QB?!!!!...  the staff at Rams are saying taking a DT first may be too much and too high??!!... Of course they could be "playing the market" for trade bait?  Who knows.. but it is getting exciting and it's only January!

I know we (Lions fans) will be holding our collective breath 15 minutes after the start of the draft in PRIMETIME.  I CAN'T WAIT! 

 

I can hear it now...  Welcome to NYC and the 2010 NFL DRAFT!...  Here we go..... With the first pick of the 2010 NFL DRAFT the St. Louis Rams.. select..............................???????????? 

 

If they go Suh.....

 

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/01/answering_e-mails_lions_will_d.html

 

Anyone getting excited?... I know we have 4 month to go but GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/01/lions_re-sign_dan_gronkowski_t.html

 

Talk about starting early.  Jim must like these guys... clearly for depth and potential and the future battle in training camp.  It will be interesting to see the cuts as time goes by.  It's early.  The excitement begins now in the off season to make the Lions better!

 

TE Dan Gronkowski, 

DT Terrence Taylor

CB Jahi Word-Daniels, 

G Kurt Quarterman, 

DE Robert Henderson, 

WR Michael Ray Garvin

WR Kole Heckendorf 

DB Jonathan Hefney

DB Paul Pratt

http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2010/01/detroit_lions_sign_jonathan_he.html

The Detroit Lions waiver moves have been impressive for possible depth in 2010. 

Look at this move.  A fast CB that played in the CFL and may return kicks?  It could be a hidden gem.  The Lions have absolutely nothing to lose on this pickup.  He ran a 4.53 second 40 at the 2008 NFL draft combine.  He 24 years old with potential.  A 6th rounder for free? 

 I know the NFL is nothing like the CFL but why not?  Does anyone know who was cut to pick him up?  Does anyone know how this could effect Witherspoon (he basically does the same thing)... Note (him and Witherspoon) both are multiposition players CB/KR/PR... a three for one deal for depth. 

 I would think that's what Schwartz wants.  Value and depth!   GO LIONS!  

 (To heck with the playoffs - joking) I'm looking forward to the off season moves of the Lions and the NFC North.   The Bears might be able to be caught  for 2010.  What do you think?!

http://freep.com/article/20091226/SPORTS01/91226025/1049/sports01/Lions-sign-QB-Ramsey-to-sub-for-Stafford

great move Jim and Mayhew...

Ramsey could be Culpepper's replacement!  He's 30 years old, young, with no problems.   If Stanton falters Ramsey could be a great 2nd stringer.  Culpepper is gone for 2010 and Ramsey and STanton could battle for the 2nd string position.  They got a few games to battle it out.   May the best QB win the back up spot.

I was not surprised to see it... but it makes total sense.. you can get a free roster spot for a player to evaluate maybe find a diamond in the rough??... there's nothing to play for for this year.   Get ready for the off season..!!!   Get Stafford healthy.  I see a great future, in our QB spot, finally!!  Now the interesting part who will fill that  opening.  I'd say DEFENSIVE POSITION!!

 

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/12/lions_matthew_stafford_placed.html

 

http://www.freep.com/article/20091224/SPORTS01/91224012/1049/Lions-Stafford-out-for-rest-of-season-because-of-injury

 

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Lions claimed Witherspoon on waivers today.

The Lions also signed former Giants tight end Michael Matthews, and the Lions promoted running back Cedric Peerman from the practice squad.

----

Jim said he was making a change.. well here it is.....

It will be interesting to see what moves are made.... Witherspoon is a PR/KR and CB if I remember correctly.... So whoever a CB KR RB TE should start sweating?..... Someone will be going back to the PS if they can make it through waivers... if it is one of our rookies... wow.. i have a feeling he will get picked up... but we'll see

 

 

Rams release Richie Incognito Posted by Michael David Smith on December 15, 2009 3:25 PM ET The St. Louis Rams have released guard Richie Incognito, two days after he received a pair of personal fouls and got into a verbal confrontation with coach Steve Spagnuolo on the sideline during the Rams' loss to the Tennessee Titans.

"As with all other personnel moves, this is what we felt was in the best interest of the team at this time," Spagnuolo said in a statement released by the team. "We appreciate Richie's efforts and we wish him the very best."

Incognito twice head butted Titans players during Sunday's game, the latest in a long line of incidents in which Incognito failed to control his temper.

Incognito has spent his entire five-year career with the Rams. St. Louis drafted him in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/12/15/rams-release-richie-incognito/ ---------------

 

 What do you think?..... The guy is intense ..  with his temper... do we need that on the Lions?  Of course, direct it towards the other team!!!!!!   I say hell yeah... why not... instant help and a stop GAP asap...  It could effect our draft strategy where the focus on DEFENSE would be intense for the 2010 draft????

 

Hell no to Julious Jones.. but LenDale White?... What do you think of him paired with Smith?  Or should we go with the draft?  Smith can catch the ball and run where as White could run down the middle?  Reggie Bush sounds like a no also? 

 

Obviously we need to work on the line!.... Is it because of the offensive line needing to be better where we can stay with what we have?  What are your thoughts? 

 

White is 24 years old so he has potential?  For you more knowledgeable Lions fan please help me out but  clearly the Line needs to be addressed!!!!!

Poll

Lendale White to the Lions?

41%

yes

36 votes

22%

no

20 votes

35%

fix the line and address it in 2011?

31 votes

87 votes | Poll has closed

 

It cost us more $$$  but does Stafford clearly has more potential than Cutler?  Yes we could have signed Cutler but he did not want to come to the Lions.  Fine with me looking at his stats,  I'll take Stafford over Cutler.  Better attitude more potential??!    5 INTS tonight.  Stafford injured threw 5 ints last weekend. This could be a great discussion.  The Lions will get better give it time and putting the right pieces around him.   Your thoughts?  Let's hear them.

.

Poll

Stafford or Cutler? Your call. Looking long term....

91%

Stafford?

86 votes

8%

Cutler?

8 votes

94 votes | Poll has closed