Here’s a look at the Lions:
- Matt Asiata’s chances of making the Lions may have improved a bit when the team released fullback Michael Burton, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes. With Burton out of the way, the Lions may keep five running backs instead of four, potentially allowing Asiata to slot in behind Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner, and Dwayne Washington. Recently, coach Jim Caldwell spoke highly of Washington’s potential and that could be a sign that his spot is safe. If there are only four running backs on the 53-man roster, Asiata seems likely to get squeezed out.
- The Lions did not add a safety this offseason, despite the fact that Glover Quin turned 31 in January. That is a sign that the team has faith in Quin continuing his solid play even at his advanced age, Nate Atkins of MLive.com writes. The Lions and Quin are working on a new contract as he enters his walk year and the deal ranks as Detroit’s No. 2 priority, after locking up quarterback Matthew Stafford. With that in mind, Atkins writes that a Quin extension is a matter of when, not if. The Lions would not be operating without a safety net if they did not see Quin as a starting safety for at least one additional year.
- The Lions arranged to meet with free agent linebacker Zach Orr, just moments after he announced that he will consider an NFL return.
- Speaking of Lions safeties, Tavon Wilson is being accused of punching his ex-girlfriend in the face. Historically, the Lions have had a zero-tolerance policy regarding domestic abuse.