Detroit Lions Weblog

Marcus Bell Re-signed, Stephen Alexander off to Greener Pastures

The Lions made another major step towards bolstering their defensive depth by inking a three year deal with free agent Defensive Tackle Marcus Bell. Bell, who was an impressive contributor in the tackle rotation last season, provides a major boost as a backup tackle who ensures there is little drop-off performance-wise while the starters are being rested. Bell, potentially could even emerge as heir apparent to the aging “Big Daddy” Wilkinson. The Lions may still need additional depth at the position if Kelvin Pritchett should happen to decide to retire. In order to completely meet all of their D-Line needs, the Lions also will desperately need for Kalimba Edwards to magically fulfill whatever promise he once had as a disruptive pass-rushing Defensive End or they will have to conjure up a player who is capable of filling that role via the draft or whomever may remain in the free agent pool.

Stephen Alexander continues to live up his pre-ordained role of an aging, journeymen NFL Tight End by signing a contract with the Denver Broncos. Alexander, a respected player and former All-Pro, was never quite the pass catcher the Lions had hoped for. Even more disappointingly, he dropped several passes in the end zone last season. The Lions decide to upgrade the position this offseason and made major steps towards doing that with the acquisition of free agent Marcus Pollard. Alexander will be playing on a roster that is quite deep at the Tight End position and it remains to be seen how much time he will actually see on the field in Denver. Even with the addition of Pollard, and the anticipated return of young Casey FitzSimmons, the Lions still may still need to add an additional player at the position via the draft.

The Lions recently made it official that they will be wearing an alternate black jersey for two games this season. Other than the transparently obvious desire to cash in by selling the jerseys to it’s loyal fans, their is no clear reason for the Lions to roll-out new jerseys. Especially considering that they recently added black piping to their traditional Honolulu Blue jerseys. As long as they are still donning their “Throwback” jerseys on Thanksgiving, I will maintain my cool. I can’t help but reminisce about the Detroit Piston’s Teal jerseys when I try to picture the Lions playing in their more urban, street smart black jerseys.