Detroit Lions Weblog

PFPD

Last week was a dark time in my life. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, the 2004-5 NFL season ended with last Sunday’s New England Super Bowl victory. With the tumescent build-up to the grand finale, I suffered from serious hangover effects. I was sweating profusely for three days. I was incontinent. I had an irregular pulse and breathing patterns. I had an incredible urge to down a half gallon of cheap Vodka. I was walking in my sleep. After a couple of days, I realized it was necessary to seek professional help. The doctor told me I was suffering from Post Football Panic Disorder. With his assistance, I am now very much better. I guess Arena Football can serve as a reasonable fascimile in the interim. I am finally able to unswaddle from the blankets, and I am energized.

While suffering from this infliction, I read in USA Today Sports Weekly’s 02/09 “Buzz” column, that Lions GM, Matt Millen, said “his team had no interest in pursuing a QB such as San Diego’s Drew Brees.” What this means, I am unsure of. It is clear though, that with only one QB under contract, there will continue to be a lot of speculation about whom the Lions may hold an interest in.

The Lions also hired a new Wide Receivers coach, Fred Graves. Graves, who was last seen coaching an abysmal Cleveland Browns team, also has coached with the Buffalo Bills from 2001-2003. Kevin Higgins, the last Wide Receivers coach for the Lions, was not offered a new contract after his last one expired. I wonder if 91 dropped passes in two seasons may have had any impact on that decision. Graves, who coached the underachieving Browns receiver corps, has a lot of work ahead of him.

Important Off-Season Dates:
Feb 22 Deadline to designate franchise and transition players

Feb 23-Mar 1 Draft Combine

March 1 Deadline for submission of qualifying offers by clubs to their restricted free agents whose contracts have expired and to whom they desire to retain a right of first refusal/compensation. It is also the deadline to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with fewer than 3 seasons of free agent credit whose contracts have expired.

March 22 Veteran Free Agency begins, trading period begins

Apr 15 Signing Period ends for Restricted Free Agents

Apr 22 Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents.

Apr 23-24 NFL Draft