Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Sign Second Smith, Rogers Trade Mania, “The Burner”?

The Lions have re-signed CB Keith Smith and are attempting to re-sign CB Travis Fisher. The returns of Smith and Fisher, along with the recent signing S Dwight Smith, do not constitute a major secondary upgrade, in my eyes.

The Lions are also reportedly also interested in CB Drayton Florence, who’s addition would be more of the caliber that Lions fans are hoping for. The Lions apparently also are among the suitors for another ex-Charger, RB Michael “The Burner” Turner.

Given the wealth of running backs available in the draft, and the imminent return of both Brian Calhoun and Kevin Jones, the acquisition of Turner would be a little perplexing.

That being said, I would still welcome the signing of Turner, and what he would bring to the organization, since it is increasingly apparent that winning teams are deep at the running back position, and that the “true” feature back may be evolving towards extinction. With Jones and Calhoun’s individual injury histories, adding another quality running back would probably be prudent in the long term.

The probable Shaun Rogers trade has taken on a life of it’s own. The Broncos, Jets (who have traded for Kris Jenkins), Jaguars, and Dolphins are all reportedly in the mix, with the Lions having interest in the Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud or Broncos CB Dominique Foxworth in particular.

The Jonathan Vilma trade rumors are withering on the vine, the Saints are probably going to beat the Lions in the bidding for Vilma’s services. (update:In the case of Vilma, I am more than a little disappointed that a conditional 4th round pick was all it took for the Saints to garner Vilma’s services. The Lions team doctors must not have liked what they saw of Vilma’s knee, still a massive void remains at the position on the Lions roster, and it will be VERY difficult to fill)

The Lions have some work to do, but at least on the surface, it would appear that they have had a decent, but not great, start to free agency.