Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Release G Piller, Redding’s Contract?

The Lions released recently-signed, veteran free agent G Zach Piller on Wednesday.   Apparently with the draft selection of G Manuel Ramirez, Piller became expendable to the team.

Here is an early depth chart:

RT George Foster-Rex Tucker-Johnathan Scott-Barry Stokes(G/T)

G Damien Woody-Frank Davis-Manuel ” Not Man-Ram” Ramirez

C   Dominic Raiola

G Edwin Mulitalo-Blaine Saipia (G/T/TE)-Stephen Peterman

LT Jeff Backus

Their will be an extensive battle amongst the O-Line personnel to claim roster spots.   The Lions like the prospects of Jonathan Scott and Frank Davis, and will give Manny Ramirez an extensive look.   The injury history of Rex Tucker, along with the poor past performance of Damien Woody, leads me to believe that they may be the least likely to eventually make the team.  Tom Kowalski has an excellent article about this very roster battle, that is exponentially more detailed and perceptive than my own.

Adam Schefter of the NFL network has reported that DE Cory Redding and his agent have entrenched themselves in regards to Redding’s future contract status.   Redding will not sign his franchise tender(meaning he will skip all of the camps and pre-season games), and will not participate until either the Lions present him with a long-term extension or he signs the franchise tender the night before the season begins. 

I believe that the Lions will get Redding’s contract done before it becomes too much of an issue, but the sticking point remains whether Redding gets paid as a Defensive Tackle or End, which holds a significant amount of difference in contract pay scale.   Redding is franchised as a DT, but will likely be needed both inside and out this season, after the Lions were unable to draft an impact defensive end in the draft.  

I expect that Redding will play end during running downs, and slide inside to tackle  in passing situations.   Of course this is contingent upon whether rookie Ikaika Alama-Francis is able to contribute immediately or not.    If Kalimba “The Ghost” Edwards is finally productive in ‘07, Redding may play even MORE DT than DE.