Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Sign DE White, Host WR’s Curtis, McDonald and RB Duckett, Bly Unhappy with Trade, Releases

The Lions inked DE DeWayne White who, at least on the surface, would appear be a good fit with the Lions due to his previous experience with both the team’s defensive scheme and coaching staff.   That being said, White is a career backup who hasn’t overwhelmed anybody with his past performance.  White is still young (27) and hopefully will flourish with the opportunity he is being given by the Lions.   The Lions like White’s versatility and believe he could play anywhere along the defensive front, which could just be another way of saying that he hasn’t been good enough to grab and hold onto any one particular starting spot with his past opportunities.  

The Lions resisted anointing White as the their Rush Defensive End, who lines up on the right side of the defense and attacks the opposing QB’s “blind side”.   That is a strong indication, according to Tom Kowalski , that the Lions may still be considering signing another free agent, making a trade or possibility drafting another defensive end.   The Lions do have returning veteran DE Kalimba Edwards, but he is considered a pass rush specialist (a one-trick one at that) who has never attained his projected ability.   The Lions will need more help at defensive end soon, regardless of any serious future development by Edwards.

The Lions have been meeting with former Rams WR Kevin Curtis for the past couple of days.  Curtis, who many believe is the Lions primary free agent target, may eventually leave Detroit without signing a deal, according to several reports.   The recent signing of WR Drew Bennett significantly effected the market value of Curtis, which may be causing a hitch in the contract proceedings.  That being said, unless the contract numbers are prohibitive, I believe that the Lions will not allow Curtis to leave without agreeing to an offer.

The Lions are also scheduled to meet with former Rams WR Shaun McDonald and RB T.J. Duckett.  A future signing of McDonald could mean two things: 1)the Lions were unable to come to terms with Curtis or 2)WR Mike Williams is going to be released very soon.  Duckett would likely sign with the Lions as a short-yardage specialist, an aspect of their offense that was a major struggle last season.   It remains to be seen whether or not Duckett wants to become a feature back or is content being consigned to this situational, and albeit less significant, role.

Amidst rampant rumors that the Lions may spin recently acquired RB Tatum Bell to two potential trade suitors in Green Bay and the New York Giants, reports indicate that CB Dre Bly is very unhappy with his recent trade to the Broncos.  Apparently, the Redskins were close to acquiring Bly (in exchange for veteran CB Shawn Springs) and even were willing to give Bly a new contract extension, which Denver has thus far refused to do.   Bly is from Virginia and was intrigued by the possibility of playing near his former home.   Sounds like Bly is not doing any of his trademark pre-snap jumping jacks of joy over his current situation.

The Lions also released TE Marcus Pollard, DE/DT Tyoka Jackson and DT Marcus Bell last week.   They were able to successfully trade DE James Hall to the Rams for a 5th round choice, which they now possess four of in this upcoming draft.    In all likelihood, the Lions plan on packaging these 5th round picks, if the opportunity eventually presents itself.