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Dan Orlovsky

NFC Notes: Cowboys, Donald, Seahawks

April 7th, 2014 at 11:03pm CST by Peter Sowards

With his scintillating workout numbers and collegiate accolades, Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald is viewed as the preeminent three-technique defensive tackle in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Cowboys seem to be a perfect landing spot for Donald’s services, argues Rainer Sabin of The Dallas Morning News.

Donald was a first-team All-America selection and garnered every award save for the Heisman Trophy. Sabin contends that Donald could pair with recently signed defensive tackle Henry Melton in 2014 — who signed a one-year deal — then take over as a cornerstone on the defensive line going forward.

More news and notes from the National Football Conference…

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.

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.

NFC North Notes: Lions, Manziel, Perry, Allen

March 31st, 2014 at 8:27pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In the wake of Shaun Hill‘s signing with the Rams, the Lions are still in the market for a backup quarterback, and the team is set to investigate all possible avenues for a solution, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. The Lions initially posited that they were in the market for a veteran to solidify the QB depth chart behind starter Matthew Stafford, but after failing to retain Hill, and missing out on another target in Luke McCown (who re-signed with the Saints), Detroit’s decision-makers may be changing their tune. “We keep looking and we could certainly address it a number of different ways, and all options are open at this time,” said new head coach Jim Caldwell.

One such route may be the draft, where the Lions could look to add a developmental quarterback in a later round. Another option would be to promote No. 3 quarterback Kellen Moore to the backup role. Moore, who has never taken an NFL snap, has reportedly “taken great strides,” according to Lions general manager Martin Mayhew. A veteran addition may still be in the works, as Birkett notes that Dan Orlovsky, a former Lion, could be of interest to the team.

Other notes from the NFC North:

  • Vikings coach Mike Zimmer says “some flags” came up after a recent meeting with quarterback Johnny Manziel, according to an interview with 104.9 The Horn (via the Minneapolis Star Tribune). Zimmer cites several off-the-field worries, mostly regarding dedication and Manziel’s willingness to “eat, breath, and sleep football.” The Vikings are expected to strongly consider drafting a quarterback with the eighth overall selection in May’s draft.
  • The Packers are still determining where to play third-year defender Nick Perry, writes ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky. Most of Perry’s success has come when rushing the passer from the right side; this presents a problem, however, as All-Pro Clay Matthews occupies the right outside linebacker position. Perry, like new signee Julius Peppers, could see more work in the “elephant” role, a position in defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ scheme that combines the responsibilities of a defensive lineman and a rush linebacker.
  • New Bears defensive end Jared Allen says that the team’s aging players on defense will add valuable experience, and not cost the team wins, writes John Mullin of CSNChicago. While Allen notes that he is excited to play with veterans like Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, and Tim Jennings, it is important to remember that these are the same players who contributed to the Bears’ 25th overall defensive rating by DVOA.

Lions Notes: Orlovsky, Sanchez, Suh

March 26th, 2014 at 6:01pm CST by Zachary Links

The latest out of Detroit, courtesy of the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett..

  • The Lions are in the market for a backup quarterback after losing Shaun Hill to the Rams and are now expected to turn their sights to Dan Orlovsky, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Orlovsky played four seasons for the Lions from 2005-08 and made seven starts. He spent the 2011 season with the Colts playing for new Lions coach Jim Caldwell and was with the Buccaneers the last two years.
  • The Lions picked Matthew Stafford over Mark Sanchez when they were looking for a quarterback at the top of the 2009 NFL draft and now that Sanchez is a free agent, they don’t have any interest in bringing him to Detroit, Birkett writes. “We have not entertained it, in that regard,” Caldwell said. “But talented guy who’s got experience in the league, and I’m sure there are a lot of teams who are looking at him closely.” It goes without saying that Orlovsky is much more likely than the USC product.
  • Caldwell and Lions president Tom Lewand say they’re not concerned about Ndamukong Suh‘s contract situation becoming a distraction for the team, Birkett writes.