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Lions Notes: Fairley, Backup QBs

April 6th, 2014 at 9:37am CST by Rory Parks

As a first-round pick under the the new CBA, Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley received a four-year deal with a fifth-year club option. As our Luke Adams wrote several weeks ago, the Lions declined to exercise that fifth-year option, which is worth about $5.5MM this season. Chris McCosky of the Detroit News says that the Lions’ decision in that regard is a “proactive risk.”

As McCosky writes, after several years of toiling at community college and Auburn, Fairley saw a “multi-million dollar-carrot dangling in front of him in the form of the NFL draft,” so Fairley re-dedicated himself in 2010. Indeed, “Fairley finally put in the time to get his body in shape, finally put in the time to understand the finer points of playing defensive tackle and, lo and behold, he became the most dominant player defensive player in the country, helping Auburn win the national championship.”

According to McCosky, the Lions are hoping that history repeats itself. By not picking up his option, Detroit hopes that Fairley will devote himself to his craft with the same intensity he displayed in 2010 and that the team will reap the rewards. Of course, if that should happen, then it will suggest that perhaps Fairley is one of those players that can consistently perform at an elite level only when he is at risk of losing a big payday.

Several other quick notes from Motown:

  • Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press names Fairley as one of the five players for whom this offseason looms largest. He writes that the Lions continue to insist they are interested in a long-term deal with the big defensive tackle if he shows up to camp in shape and demonstrates a more consistent work ethic.
  • Another player who faces a pivotal offseason, writes Birkett, is quarterback Kellen Moore. The Lions signed Dan Orlovsky several days ago, and although Moore could still win the job as Matthew Stafford‘s backup, ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein writes, “There was no way new Lions coach Jim Caldwell, who lost his job in Indianapolis in part due to not having an experienced backup behind Peyton Manning in 2011, was going to go into his first season without a seasoned backup.“
  • In the same piece, Rothstein says it would not be a surprise to see the Lions draft a QB late to provide even more camp competition.

NFC Notes: Lions, Hawkins, Cooks

April 5th, 2014 at 4:50pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Lions hosted Clemson wide receiver Martavis Bryant, Washington State safety Deone Bucannon, and Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan this week.

Lewan could be in the mix for the team in the first round.

Here are some other notes from around the NFC:

  • The Lions first-round pick could change drastically depending on how many quarterbacks are selected in the nine picks ahead of them, writes Justin Rogers of MLive.com. Rogers notes that the ideal scenario would find four quarterbacks selected in before the Lions are called to the podium, but two or three would be more realistic.
  • The Buccaneers are finalizing their deal with wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, reports Mark Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). The deal has already been agreed to in principle, but some specifics are being hammered out.
  • Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks has been busy, meeting with the Jets earlier this week. Cooks will also meet with the Seahawks, Panthers, and Patriots, according to Bryan Fischer of NFL.com.

Lions Sign Dan Orlovsky

April 4th, 2014 at 1:37pm CST by Luke Adams

FRIDAY, 1:37pm: Orlovsky’s contract is a minimum salary benefit deal, according to Birkett (via Twitter). The Free Press scribe adds (via Twitter) that the deal includes $125K in guaranteed money — a $65K bonus, plus $60K of the base salary.

WEDNESDAY, 3:03pm: The Lions and Orlovsky have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, reports Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter).

2:39pm: The Lions are expected to reach an agreement to sign free agent quarterback Dan Orlovsky, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press first wrote a week ago when Shaun Hill signed with the Rams that the Lions were likely to turn their attention to Orlovsky, among other options.

Orlovsky, 30, was originally selected by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2005 draft. His most extensive regular-season action came during the team’s infamous 0-16 year in 2008, when he made seven starts, throwing for 1,616 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. In recent years, the veteran signal-caller has served as a backup in Indianapolis and Tampa Bay.

Hill’s departure for St. Louis left the Lions without a clear-cut No. 2 option behind starting QB Matthew Stafford for 2014, so if the team finalizes an agreement with Orlovsky, he becomes the immediate favorite to fill that role. Kellen Moore is also expected to be in the mix for the club.

Lions Sign J.B. Shugarts

April 3rd, 2014 at 3:41pm CST by Luke Adams

The Lions have signed free agent offensive lineman J.B. Shugarts to a contract, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it’s likely a non-guaranteed, minimum-salary contract for Shugarts.

Since going undrafted out of Ohio State in 2012, Shugarts has signed deals with the Browns, Cowboys, and Jets. However, he has yet to appear in an NFL regular season game. He’ll likely be an offseason body for the Lions, with a chance to earn a roster spot.

Draft Notes: Savage, Lions, Bills, Falcons

April 3rd, 2014 at 2:59pm CST by Luke Adams

With the 2014 NFL draft now just five weeks away, you can expect at least one round of draft updates per day from us, and often it’ll be more. Here’s Thursday’s afternoon updates on a few prospects and the NFL teams that are eyeing them:

  • The stock of Pittsburgh quarterback Tom Savage is on the rise, according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com, who says Savage has had workouts with nine NFL teams so far and has another seven scheduled for this month (Twitter links).
  • Martavis Bryant certainly isn’t the biggest name among the Clemson receivers in this year’s draft class, but he seems to be drawing some interest from the Lions, who hosted him for a pre-draft visit today, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link).
  • The Bills announced two more pre-draft visits today, revealing that Clemson defensive back Bashaud Breeland and Duke cornerback Ross Cockrell were in town on Thursday.
  • Speaking of Breeland, Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link) hears that the Falcons are high on the Clemson DB. Pauline adds that the team is at Liberty University today, working out cornerbacks Walt Aikens and Kevin Fogg.
  • Kansas State safety Ty Zimmerman recently met with Falcons defensive backs coach Joe Danna, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.
  • Middle Tennessee State defensive tackle Jimmy Staten will visit the Chargers next week, reports Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
  • The cousin of Cardinals running back Andre Ellington, South Carolina wide receiver Bruce Ellington, has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Cards, tweets Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.

Draft Notes: 49ers, Patriots, Verrett

April 2nd, 2014 at 9:12pm CST by Matt Feminis

At the beginning of the offseason, it was thought the 49ers might target a receiver in the first round, but with the draft a month away, cornerback has become the team’s top draft need, writes Doug Williams of NBC Bay Area.

In other draft prospect news…

  • TCU cornerback Jason Verrett has visits lined up with the Steelers, Jets and Cardinals, according to Fox’s Alex Marvez (via Twitter). All three teams value speed, athleticism and man-coverage skills. Verrett boasts sub-4.4 speed and outstanding leaping ability.
  • Drafting Aaron Dobson in the second round last year won’t preclude the Patriots from taking a receiver in the first round this year, writes NESN’s Doug Kyed, who lists five prospects who would be good fits.
  • When asked about the likelihood of a quarterback run in the draft’s top ten picks (consequently pushing down highly regarded prospects at positions of need), Lions GM Martin Mayhew acknowledged momentum might be slowing on that scenario. “I think (if) you said that a month ago, everybody would have signed off on that,” Mayhew told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “But if you say that now, you don’t know how it’s going to go with the quarterbacks.”
  • Middle Tennessee State guard Josh Walker worked out for the Ravens and will also work out for the Saints and Colts, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. A potential late-round pick, Walker was not invited to the Combine.

NFC Notes: Wharton, Rudolph, Lions, Bowman

April 2nd, 2014 at 4:01pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s check in on a few afternoon items from around the NFC….

  • The Panthers‘ offseason offensive line exodus may not be done yet. Veteran free agent guard Travelle Wharton suggests to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer (Twitter link) that he’s leaning toward retirement, though he hasn’t made a final decision yet. Over the last few weeks, Jordan Gross and Geoff Hangartner have also decided to retire, leaving the Panthers with some holes in their line.
  • We heard last month that locking up Kyle Rudolph long-term is a “big priority” for the Vikings, and it sounds like the tight end is fully on board with the idea too. “I want to stay here,” Rudolph told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link). “Hopefully, [an extension] is something we can get done this offseason.”
  • With less than $2MM in cap space remaining even before today’s deal with Dan Orlovsky, the Lions may have to restructure multiple contracts in order to fill out their roster, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
  • According to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago (via Twitter), Zackary Bowman‘s new minimum-salary contract with the Giants includes a $65K signing bonus.

Draft Notes: Bridgewater, Amaro, Steelers

April 2nd, 2014 at 10:12am CST by Luke Adams

Word broke on Tuesday that Johnny Manziel would be visiting the Patriots today, a few days after the club met with Blake Bortles in Orlando. It shouldn’t be too surprising then that Teddy Bridgewater is also visiting the team, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). As we noted yesterday, the Pats are likely just doing due diligence on the top players in this year’s quarterback class, but those meetings are still worth keeping an eye on.

Here’s more on pre-draft visits, with May 8 just over five weeks away:

  • Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro, who is said to be drawing interest from the Jets, is working out for the Falcons today, says Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
  • The Steelers are hosting a pair of defenders today, in Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard and Notre Dame defensive end Stephon Tuitt, tweets Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  • Washington State safety Deone Bucannon visited the Lions today, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter).
  • Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post passes along word of a pair of visits, reporting that Sam Houston State running back Timothy Flanders will meet with the Saints, while Middle Tennessee State cornerback Sammy Seamster has a visit on tap with the Chiefs.

NFC Notes: Soliai, Seahawks, Vikings, Lions

April 1st, 2014 at 4:23pm CST by Luke Adams

New Falcons defensive tackle Paul Soliai signed one of the more unexpectedly lucrative long-term deals of the offseason last month, agreeing to a five-year, $33MM contract with Atlanta. Agent David Canter was responsible for negotiating that deal, and he walked ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure through the process that led to he, Soliai, and the team agreeing to that figure.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

  • Although the Seahawks haven’t retained notable players like Golden Tate, Red Bryant, and Chris Clemons this offseason, GM John Schneider tells ESPN 710 Seattle that he’s pleased with the team’s free agent period, as Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times outlines.
  • Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (Twitter link) hears from multiple sources that the Vikings are “heavily leaning” toward LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger in the second round of May’s draft, with a preference for a linebacker like Khalil Mack in the first round.
  • The Lions continue to pursue defensive upgrades, with the team focused on improving at cornerback and finding a “flamethrower” at outside linebacker. Chris McCosky of the Detroit News has the details on the team’s secondary search, while Kyle Meineke of MLive.com passes along head coach Jim Caldwell‘s quotes on the need for an outside pass-rusher.
  • Former Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan made a pre-draft visit with the Lions today, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter). Twentyman adds in a second tweet that Lewan will meet with the Rams next, while Gil Brandt of NFL.com says (via Twitter) the Michigan tackle worked out for the Falcons yesterday.
  • According to Brandt (via Twitter), former Missouri defensive end Kony Ealy worked out for the Panthers today and will do the same for the Falcons tomorrow.
  • The 49ers are eyeing safeties in next month’s draft, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

DeSean Jackson Updates: Monday

March 31st, 2014 at 10:51pm CST by Luke Adams

With most of this year’s notable free agents off the board, DeSean Jackson‘s release breathed some new life into the free agent market, and rumors swirled around Jackson and his potential landing spots for much of the weekend. Yesterday, we asked which club would eventually land the standout receiver, and you made the Raiders your pick, with the Redskins not too far behind. Do today’s updates and rumors reflect that result? Let’s dive in and round up the latest….

  • ESPN’s Ed Werder jumps into the fray, saying there is no deal between the Redskins and Jackson, noting that he will continue meeting with the Redskins tomorrow as well as keep talking with other interested teams (Twitter link).
  • A source close to Jackson says it’s a “done deal” between the Redskins and the receiver, tweets Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com also chimes in, saying that while the two parties had a good meeting, Jackson has more visits lined up tomorrow, and a number of teams are still competing for the playmaker (via Twitter).

Earlier updates:

  • Werder, who reported earlier (as we note below) that two mystery teams are believed to be deep in negotiations with Jackson, adds the Jets and Panthers to the list of clubs expected to be involved, and says the Patriots, Saints, and Packers are out (Twitter link).
  • Jackson will visit the Redskins today, and the trip is expected to extend through Tuesday, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who adds that the Raiders and Bills are also in the hunt.
  • Peter King of TheMMQB.com thinks Redskins owner Dan Snyder and GM Bruce Allen will “put on the hard sell” to sign the former Eagle. King adds that Allen could include details in the team’s contract offer that would provide Washington some insurance in the event of any off-field incidents.
  • On the other hand, Mark Maske and Mike Jones of the Washington Post write that the Redskins may not be willing to be break the bank for Jackson. The Post duo hears that while the team is “all-in” in its pursuit of the receiver, it has to be at the right price.
  • According to ESPN’s Ed Werder (Twitter link), two teams who have yet to be publicly identified as having interest in Jackson are deep in talks with the receiver.
  • Among the teams not expected to pursue Jackson: The Lions, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, and the Browns, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
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