Positions We Target in Free Agency

[WillParks]

I think we have to sign some starting caliber players through free agency because of all of the holes on our roster. Here is how I see things shaking out:

Options at safety: Jarius Byrd, Chris Clemons, Glover Quin
Most likely signing: Chris Clemons

Options at guard: Andy Levitre, Geoff Schwartz, Luis Vasquez
Most likely signing: Luis Vasquez

Options at CB: Greg Toler, Leodis Mckelvin, Bradley Fletcher
Most likely signing: Greg Toler (he as good size and is a good tackler)

Options at DE: Michael Bennet, Michael Jonhson, William Hayes
Most likely signing: Michael Bennet

I think the Lions will clear as much cap space as they can so that they can sign Bennet. He isn't a #1 DE but he is a very good all-around DE and we will probably get rid of Avril and Vandenbosche in the off-season. The other two signings should be relatively in expensive.

Assuming we can clear adequate cap space (restructure Stafford's contract, let Avril walk, release KVB, Burleson, and limit our big re-signings to Houston and Hill) what do you consider to be a reasonable approach to free agency?

[stylish313]

We're already over the cap, I'm highly skeptical of believing we'll be major players in free agency.

A crop of Bennett, Clemons, and Toler would be a dream come true though.
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Are you getting Ziggy with it?

[diehardlionfan]

I have to agree with my stylish friend. I've been waiting to say that!

The Lions are currently over the cap and with free agency before the draft I just don't see how they can do much.

Depending how the draft falls to the Lions I could see some cuts that free up cap space allowing the Lions to take on salary via trade but in free agency I don't see them able to do much.

What $$$$ do you perceive it would take to sign these players?
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Sig by LionsFTW

To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.

[Hinkle]

I say they go corner with Dee Millner from Bama
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Props to Uncle Buck for the sig.

[Nnivolcm]

[diehardlionfan]

[WillParks]

This team was 4-12 last year with 23 free agents. How do we clear cap room? Here are some good starter steps:

1. Cliff Avril walks. I believe he had a $10 million cap number last year

2. Stafford restructures lowering his cap number to about $11 million. He isn't Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady or even Joe Flacco. I think he and his agent know he isn't worth that much.

3. Release KVB, Burleson, Peterman, Raiola and Backus.

4. Limit re-signings to key players: SLH, Durant, Fox and Houston.

5. Like it or not some team will overpay to get him to play somewhere else. I don't see the Lions being able to compete with another team. The upshot is that will allow us to sign some less expensive quality free agents at safety, guard and maybe wide receiver.


Letting Avril walk will allow us to re-sign Houston and Durant at a minimum.

[LionsFan630]

I think the focus will be re-signing some of our own FA's and then adding some depth.

With our cap situation right now I wouldn't be expecting major additions.
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[mijags]

if they signed sean smith and no one else id be thrilled with that.

[usedaschwartz]

[DrRay11]

[mijags]

if he keeps houston and signs sean smith, i wont [inappropriate/removed] about mayhew until at least after the draft

[Louis Delmas26]

S- Mike Mitchell, Oakland Raiders
CB- Sean Smith, Miami Dolphins
DE- None (we will draft one or two)
G- Geoff Schwartz (Luiz Vasquez is more of a run blocker, does not really fit our scheme)

[diehardlionfan]

[WillParks]

I mentioned this before: this team was 4-12. When you are 4-12 you don't stick to the status quo by signing as many of your own free agents as possible. There are some key re-signings that we should focus on but keeping a majority of the free agents who helped you get to 4-12 is just plain dumb.