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Lions Notes: Austin, Pettigrew

February 10th, 2014 at 8:45pm CST by Peter Sowards

New Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has big shoes to fill, replacing 32-year NFL veteran Gunther Cunningham. Austin, 21 years Cunningham’s junior, just landed his first coordinating job at the pro level, and is expected to employ a more blitz-heavy defense than his predecessor, according to Justin Rogers of MLive.com. “We’re going to probably stay more in a 4-3, in terms of what we have personnel-wise,” said Austin. “Our pressures with our linebackers will be coming from different angles, different things that way, instead of a per se ‘rush linebacker’ that I’m used to dealing with.” Rogers said the odds do not favor the team pursuing an aforementioned rush linebacker in the draft or free agency, noting all three of the team’s starting linebackers from last season are under contract for 2014.

Other notes from the Motor City:

  • Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi touched on his tight end philosophy in a story relayed by ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein, important given the free-agent status of Brandon Pettigrew. “It’s important to have a guy that can block the point of attack,” said Lombardi. “That’s important. A lot of teams are going to back-or-forth these days and you need a tight end that can hold up against those guys. And then, you want a guy who can be a pass receiver so you’re always looking for those well-rounded guys.”
  • Pettigrew played 925 out of 1,158 snaps for the Lions offense last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Rothstein notes that the Lions emphasized Pettigrew’s run-blocking ability to spearhead a running game led by Reggie Bush and Joique Bell that finished No. 17 in rushing yards last season.
  • If North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron or Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins were available in the second round, Rothstein said either two would be a sound investment. However, Ebron is widely regarded as the best tight end in the 2014 class and highly unlikely to make it out of the top-32.
  • Rothstein cites Dennis Pitta and Dallas Clark, who each played for head coach Jim Caldwell at some point, as potential replacements if Pettigrew is not retained, as well as former Jet and current Dolphin Dustin Keller .

 

Lions Notes: Pettigrew, Draft, Tate

February 9th, 2014 at 10:05am CST by Rory Parks

Now that the Lions have taken one of the top free agent centers off the market after re-signing the ever-loyal Dominic Raiola to a one-year contract, they can now turn their attention to free agent TE Brandon Pettigrew, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. New Lions OC Joe Lombardi, who recently indicated that he expects to be the Lions offensive play-caller in 2014 despite never having called a play in the NFL, observed that Pettigrew is an increasingly rare breed of tight end in that he can excel as a blocker and receiver.

However, the Lions may have a lot of competition for Pettigrew. The 29-year-old has two 70-plus catch seasons on his resume, which, combined with his blocking abilities and the relatively murky tight end market, could land him a big-money deal. Indeed, even if Tony Gonzalex changes his mind about retirement for the second consecutive year, he is hardly a long-term solution for any potential suitor, and it is unlikely he would go to a team other than the Falcons–or conceivably Kansas City–anyway. The Ravens are likely to either put the franchise tag on Dennis Pitta or re-sign him to a long-term contract, and the health concerns of Jermichael Finley make his future uncertain at best. Jimmy Graham, who would be the ultimate free agent prize, will either get the franchise tag or a multi-year deal with the Saints. By attrition, then, Pettigrew becomes the most attractive tight end available.

Given Detroit’s internal options at the position, though, the team may have no other choice but to somehow bring Pettigrew back. The only tight ends currently under contract are Michael Williams and the talented-but-raw Joseph Fauria. They also have control of restricted free agent Dorin Dickerson and the exclusive rights to free agent Matt Veldman. The cost of the 2014 franchise tag for tight ends is projected to be slightly over $6MM, and that may be the route the Lions choose to pursue with Pettigrew.

Some other notes from the Motor City:

  • Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com predicts Detroit will receive a fourth-round compensatory pick after losing tackle Gosder Cherilus to free agency last year, but because the Lions were active themselves in the free agent market in 2013, that will probably be the only compensatory selection they receive.
  • ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein thinks the Lions could draft Clemson WR Sammy Watkins with the tenth overall pick if he falls that far. Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews and Penn State’s Allen Robinson could be potential targets in the second round.
  • In any event, Rothstein thinks the Lions could target two wideouts in free agency, one as an outside receiver and one to play the slot. He notes that new head coach Jim Caldwell has traditionally preferred having receivers over 6 feet tall on his roster.
  • Seahawks WR Golden Tate is unlikely to be an option for Detroit, as he has previously expressed that he would be willing to take a “hometown discount” to remain in Seattle.

 

Draft Needs For Lions, Bears

February 8th, 2014 at 3:40pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Lions can go in a number of directions in the draft this year, writes Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. The two major questions that need to be addressed are receiver and cornerback. With the tenth pick, Sammy Wakins of Clemson and Mike Evans of Texas A&M would be ideal fits to line up across from Calvin Johnson, but trading down or taking a defensive back are also likely scenarios according to Rothstein.

If they do look to take a defensive back at their current pick, Rothstein writes that Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State and Darqueze Dennard of Michigan State could be the Lions’ top choices. That is unless either Anthony Barr of UCLA or Khalil Mack of Buffalo drops to them, which could make them consider taking one of the two standout linebackers, and address the secondary later in the draft.

While the Lions are looking at a number of options in the first round, there is a consensus with the Bears’ first round pick. Both of ESPN’s draft experts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock drafts have the team selecting Timmy Jernigan of FSU to bolster the defensive line. Mock drafts from Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks of NFL.com both agree as well.

While the Bears could look to add to their defensive line early, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com does not see the draft as a way for the team to improve its skill players. He doesn’t see the team investing many draft picks if any at all in receivers, runningbacks, or tight ends.

Lions Notes: Raiola, Cornerbacks, Cooter

February 7th, 2014 at 5:57pm CST by Zachary Links

Earlier today, the Lions re-signed center Dominic Raiola to a one-year contract. While the financial terms of the deal aren’t known, the 35-year-old is said to have gotten a “nice raise” out of the deal. Raiola has been a fixture on the Lions’ O-Line and has started every game in the last 12 seasons for the franchise with the exception of a handful of contests in 2008. More out of Detroit..

  • The Lions were smart to re-sign Raiola to a new deal, opines ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein. The Lions still need to fill holes at wide receiver, tight end, cornerback, and safety, so getting the center position out of the way gives them one less thing to worry about. The veteran is one of the few Detroit players left from the 0-16 season in 2008 and has been completely focused on trying to return to the playoffs. As an added bonus, if the Lions draft a center this year, the Lions can bring him along slowly and Raiola can help groom him for the future.
  • Detroit will continue to pursue larger cornerbacks, new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin tells Justin Rogers of MLive.com. “As the league has changed, I think you have to try to get, if you can, a bigger cornerback,” Austin said, “a guy that can match up with the bigger receivers, a guy that has some physical toughness to him who’s not afraid to tackle, and a guy that has great ball skills.” However, Austin isn’t ruling out smaller corners with playmaking skills.
  • The Lions will hire former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback and Broncos assistant Jim Bob Cooter to be their next QB coach, according to Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports (via Twitter).

Lions Links: Suh, Isles, Tillman, Free Agents

February 4th, 2014 at 9:51am CST by Luke Adams

The Lions were awarded the first waiver claim of the offseason yesterday, grabbing safety Isa Abdul-Quddus from the Saints. That will be far from the last move in what figures to be a busy winter in Detroit, so let’s check in on a few links examining some of the decisions facing the team….

  • In a column for the Detroit Free Press, Drew Sharp argues that the Lions should move on from Ndamukong Suh, attempting to trade him for draft picks rather than working out a new deal that reduces his $22.4MM cap number for 2014. However, an extension is the likelier outcome. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the team plans to re-open talks when Suh hires a new agent.
  • Rugby speedster Carlin Isles signed a reserve/futures contract with the Lions a few weeks ago, but is still undecided on whether to pursue an NFL career or to focus on winning 2016 Olympic gold in rugby, according to a CNN report.
  • Asked if he’d consider signing with the Lions as a free agent this offseason, defensive back Charles Tillman acknowledged that it’d probably be “a little awkward in the beginning,” but sounded open to the possibility, writes Kyle Meinke of MLive.com.
  • Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com takes an extended look at all 22 of the Lions’ 2014 free agents.
  • Lions backup QB Shaun Hill is among the team’s unrestricted free agents, and his future will depend on whether he wants a better shot at playing time elsewhere and whether the club’s new coaching staff wants a backup more familiar with its system, as Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com outlines.

NFC Notes: Lions, Bucs, Falcons, Eagles

February 3rd, 2014 at 5:00pm CST by Luke Adams

With Super Bowl XLVIII now comfortably in our rear-view mirrors, let’s round up a few Monday updates from around the NFC….

  • The Lions will have to clear significant money from their books over the next few weeks in order to get under the cap for 2014 and make room for draft picks, says Justin Rogers of MLive.com. In examining the team’s possible options, Rogers notes that Detroit could save about $5.5MM by releasing receiver Nate Burleson and another $5.5MM or so by cutting safety Louis Delmas.
  • A weekend report suggested that the Buccaneers are among the teams that will have interest in Michael Vick in free agency this offseason, but Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com isn’t convinced that signing Vick would be the right move for Tampa Bay.
  • In a pair of pieces for ESPN.com, Vaughn McClure examines the role that new assistant GM Scott Pioli will have in Atlanta this offseason, and looks into how the Falcons may try to replace Tony Gonzalez at tight end.
  • Tim McManus and Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com discuss the Eagles‘ defensive line situation, disagreeing slightly on how strong a priority it should be this offseason.
  • Wide receiver, cornerback, and center figure to be areas of focus in the draft for the 49ers, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com, who names a few potential targets at each of those positions.

Lions Claim Abdul-Quddus, Bengals Cut Powell

February 3rd, 2014 at 3:53pm CST by Luke Adams

The NFL’s waiver period got underway today, and the league announced that a single claim was made: The Lions claimed safety Isa Abdul-Quddus off waivers from the Saints (Twitter link via Field Yates of ESPN Boston). Additionally, the Bengals cut punter Shawn Powell, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link).

Abdul-Quddus, 25, has spent his first three seasons with the Saints, and will be eligible for restricted free agency this offseason. The Lions will have the option of making a tender offer to the Fordham alum, which would ensure that they could match any rival offers he received in free agency. Abdul-Quddus started three games for the Saints during the 2012 season, grabbing a pair of interceptions and recovering a fumble, but saw most of his action in 2013 on special teams.

Powell, meanwhile, had been slated to become an exclusive rights free agent following his second NFL season. Before filling in for the Bengals this season, Powell spent time with the Bills, replacing veteran punter Brian Moorman in 2012 in Buffalo.

Suh’s Future With The Lions

February 2nd, 2014 at 2:54pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was a behavioral problem in the locker room, the NFL Network’s Heath Evans tells 105.1 Detroit (audio link). Evans claims several Lions players told him Suh was uncoachable and disrespectful towards the coaching staff. “The consistent message that came out of there is that Suh was uncontrollable and that he would constantly do things to kind of show his power over Jim Schwartz, whether it was team meetings, showing up late, or whatever it may be.” The Lions have disputed the assertions, releasing a statement by Schwartz, who says “Ndamukong Suh was not late for any team meeting, practice or team travel in any of our four years together with the Lions.”

This news is relevant as Suh and the Lions prepare to engage in extension discussions. Suh, who recently fired his agent, is set to count an enormous $22.4MM against the cap in 2014, so the Lions have an obvious need to restructure his contract. Suh, who is under contract for two more seasons, already restructured once last year, allowing the Lions to save about $8MM. If an extension cannot be worked out, the franchise tag would not seem to be an option, as it would cost the Lions nearly $27MM.

The longer the contract talks go on, the more likely it is that Suh will test the free agent market, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. The Lions would prefer any new deal to come together before free agency begins in March, in order to alleviate their cap strain. For comparison, Geno Atkins of the Bengals recently got $15MM guaranteed on a five-year contract. Suh, who rated as the second-best defensive tackle according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), would likely command more.

NFC Notes: Bush, Lions, Packers, Falcons

January 31st, 2014 at 3:57pm CST by Luke Adams

It may not seem like long ago that Reggie Bush was starring at USC, but the running back’s first season in Detroit was his eighth overall in the NFL. Still, as Bush prepares to turn 29 in a few weeks, he tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that he hopes to play “at least another five years” before calling it a career. Bush’s current contract with the Lions runs through the 2016 season, so even if he plays out those three years, his ideal scenario would have him signing at least one more deal before retiring.

Here are a few more Friday updates from around the NFC, as the Super Bowl inches closer:

  • The Lions will be facing a decision this offseason on safety Louis Delmas, who started all 16 games for the team, but will have a $6.5MM cap number for 2014. says Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com.
  • Safety will also be an area of concern for the Packers this spring, according to ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky, who writes there’s “probably no higher priority in the draft” for Green Bay.
  • Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff tells Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com that he’s only focusing on a select few positions in free agency, with the offensive and defensive lines among the postitions the club will address.
  • ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas believes that locking up linebacker Lavonte David and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to long-term deals should be among the top items on the offseason checklist for new Buccaneers GM Jason Licht.

Lions Sign Darren Keyton

January 30th, 2014 at 3:57pm CST by Luke Adams

The Lions have signed center Darren Keyton to a reserve/futures contract, according to Brian McIntyre (via Twitter). Because Keyton didn’t finish the 2013 season on an active NFL roster, he was eligible to sign a reserve deal, which will ensure he’s under contract with the Lions when the new league year begins in March.

Keyton, who attended Central Michigan, went undrafted in 2013 and joined the Lions last spring. After spending training camp and the preseason with Detroit, he was one of the last players cut when the club finalized its regular season roster. It looks like he’ll get another chance to compete for a spot on the roster or at least the practice squad in 2014.

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