OFFICIAL Detroit Lions 2010 offseason thread (1 Viewer)

[stp-d]

best years are behind him. A little better than Bryant Johnson for a lot more money. Not that different than Northcutt, just more reliable hands.ETA: If Kevin Walter gets less money, maybe Lions made a mistake.

Yeah, as a Lions fan, I'm not so crazy about this signing. Burleson is ok, I suppose, but that's way overpaying for a #2 that doesn't have much history of being a GOOD receiver.

I think you are both underselling Burleson. He was WR25 in PPR last year (63-812-3) in 13 games and averaged over 12 yards per catch (nearly 13 at 12.9). He's also on the right side of 30 and now has a chance to line up opposite of Calvin Johnson and grow old right along with Matthew Stafford. I like the move.Granted he isn't Boldin but he's not a bad option - NFL or fantasy.

Once again I find myself agreeing with Mr. Pasquino. To go a bit further, Burleson was on an offense that had no real identify, and I really didn't see any real plan in place. Now that Burleson will be along side Calvin in a growing offense that seems to have a plan, I believe he will be a very reliable WR3 option if he can stay on the field. Nothing spectacular but good #;s for a WR3. I like it.

 

[FavreCo]

If he can draw away the quad coverage on Calvin Johnson then it's a good move. No one needed to cover Bryant Johnson.

 

[dmac37]

The key to the move IMO is that Burleson will be the #2WR for the Lions. In the past it seems like he was a bust if being counted on as the #1WR.

Also how much have his numbers been affected by his surrounding situation, I'm not sure??? "If" he still has the tools similar to when he was at his peak then I think it is a good deal.

 

[Steel Dillo]

I'd rather the Lions gave the 3rd rder for Boldin and gave him same guarantees in a 3 yr deal, bad signing IMO

Not for Deon Butler.

I love Butler's chances for breaking out this year. He has absolutely no one in front of him to keep him off the field. He will end up on the majority of my teams next year.

 

[Loopdog]

I love what the Lions are doing. You have to understand that nobody wants to play there right now and the roster is full of mediocre talent. If they have to overpay to change the leagues perception and to get some guys to be willing to come to Detroit and play then that's what they should do.

 

[azgroover]

From Schefter's twitter

Free agent defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch agrees to a four-year, $26 million deal with Lions.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Interestingly, Burleson is viewed as injury prone but has played in all 16 games in 4 of his 7 seasons.

For WR, that's not exactly a sparkling track record. I would guess that that's below the league average for starting receivers, but I really don't feel like running the numbers to check.

Like any player who missed (basically) an entire season, the overall numbers don't look good. 22 games missed in 7 seasons. In the other 6 seasons (ex-2008), he's missed a total of 7 games.Here are his games played by season:2009: 132008: 12007: 162006: 162005: 122004: 16 [the year he had 1000 yds and 9 TDs]2003: 16

 

[stronger88]

I like the signing from a fantasy perspective. Detroit throws a ton so he'll get a ton of targets. He's always been a good endzone target too. He had 9TD's twice in his career. He might not be the next big thing or due for a huge season, so I bet he'll be low on a lot of draft boards. If you can get him late you'll be getting great value.

 

[Easy Money]

If the Lions were not making any moves then people would be criticizing them for not trying to make their team better. Nate Burleson is an upgrade to what they have now and should pay them a return for their investment barring an injury.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I look at this deal and the analogy seems to me to be the Bengals signing Coles last year. And well, that turned out ungood.

-QG

 

[Gr00vus]

Nate produces well enough to earn that money when he's on the field. It's just a question of whether he can stay healthy. I wonder if they'll use him to return punts, he's decent at that as well.

 

[Cookiemonster]

For all saying that they overspent on just a #2 WR with other holes to fill... not many other teams have just a Calvin Johnson as a #1 that they desperately need to take some heat off of to make more effective.

 

[David Yudkin]

For all saying that they overspent on just a #2 WR with other holes to fill... not many other teams have just a Calvin Johnson as a #1 that they desperately need to take some heat off of to make more effective.

Part of the counter argument to that is whether they could have taken the same $25 million and found a better option to take the heat off of Johnson.

 

[Cookiemonster]

For all saying that they overspent on just a #2 WR with other holes to fill... not many other teams have just a Calvin Johnson as a #1 that they desperately need to take some heat off of to make more effective.

Part of the counter argument to that is whether they could have taken the same $25 million and found a better option to take the heat off of Johnson.

I get that, but I don't think there's really a more complete compliment out there to be had as a top-end #2 WR.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

This baffles me, is Matt Millen still running Detroit? Let's put the pieces together:Race to sign a middling WR2 for big money in a year when most teams are expected to drop payrollTrade for Corey Williams and race to sign Kyle Vanden Bosch, which makes drafting either McCoy or Suh at 2 unlikelyRough start IMHO

I think they definitely go after Suh also.

 

[menobrown]

Burleson or Kevin Walter had to be considered the most desirable UFA WR's available and in an uncapped year. You are not going to get them that cheaply. I think it's a good move for the Lions. Burleson has always done better as a #2 WR and the Lions badly need another weapon especially if Pettigrew is less than 100% for all of most of next year. They have a lot committed in Stafford and getting him weapons is the right thing to do.

 

[menobrown]

I'd rather the Lions gave the 3rd rder for Boldin and gave him same guarantees in a 3 yr deal, bad signing IMO

Not for Deon Butler.

I love Butler's chances for breaking out this year. He has absolutely no one in front of him to keep him off the field. He will end up on the majority of my teams next year.

Sure he does. I've always thought they would release Branch but now reports are they are going to keep him. That's a little hard to believe they would pay him over $5mill this year but if it's true I see Branch starting over Butler.

 

[gianmarco]

Burleson or Kevin Walter had to be considered the most desirable UFA WR's available and in an uncapped year. You are not going to get them that cheaply. I think it's a good move for the Lions. Burleson has always done better as a #2 WR and the Lions badly need another weapon especially if Pettigrew is less than 100% for all of most of next year. They have a lot committed in Stafford and getting him weapons is the right thing to do.

 

[Abraham]

Has anyone ever made more money for being "mediocre" then Burleson? He's an okay receiver, but are you trying to tell me Tory Holt wouldn't be similarly productive for half the money? Or Kevin Walter? Or Josh reed? Or Antwan Randle El?

 

[menobrown]

Has anyone ever made more money for being "mediocre" then Burleson? He's an okay receiver, but are you trying to tell me Tory Holt wouldn't be similarly productive for half the money? Or Kevin Walter? Or Josh reed? Or Antwan Randle El?

They could get Holt for a lot less than half the money but no he would not be similarly productive. Reports going back to last preseason said Holt could no longer get any separation and now he's a year older. I think he's about done. Kevin Walter would have been ideal alongside Calvin but he's going to get a bigger contract than Burleson. Reed and Randle are no better than a 3rd or 4th WR on a team and probably not an upgrade over Bryant Johnson.

 

[gianmarco]

Has anyone ever made more money for being "mediocre" then Burleson? He's an okay receiver, but are you trying to tell me Tory Holt wouldn't be similarly productive for half the money? Or Kevin Walter? Or Josh reed? Or Antwan Randle El?

Without thinking very hard at all Deion Branch comes to mind immediately. I know there are others. Burleson has actually been quite productive at times when on the field. It's the "when" that's an issue.

 

[Donnybrook]

This baffles me, is Matt Millen still running Detroit?

Let's put the pieces together:

Race to sign a middling WR2 for big money in a year when most teams are expected to drop payroll

Trade for Corey Williams and race to sign Kyle Vanden Bosch, which makes drafting either McCoy or Suh at 2 unlikely

Rough start IMHO

Jason, I think you are living a few years in the past. $5 million a year is now the bar for middling wide receivers. IMO, it's certainly not "big money." You may or may not love Burleson for whatever reason, but his contract is now standard fare for guys in his class.

David, I think you may be living a year in the past. The very reason the NFL owners are hellbent on a work stoppage is because players are making too much. $5mm per year for a guy that wouldn't start for a majority of NFL teams is asinine, whether the cap is $120mm or $90mm.

So what do you think about Kevin Curtis's 6 year 32 M $ contract?

 

[flranger]

Has anyone ever made more money for being "mediocre" then Burleson? He's an okay receiver, but are you trying to tell me Tory Holt wouldn't be similarly productive for half the money? Or Kevin Walter? Or Josh reed? Or Antwan Randle El?

Of all the free agents, I believe only Walter could compare. NOt sure what to make of Chris Chambers, he might have been an option but he sure is inconsistent. The others you list above No one is talking about Antonio Bryant. He could have been a good fit as well.

 

[David Yudkin]

For all saying that they overspent on just a #2 WR with other holes to fill... not many other teams have just a Calvin Johnson as a #1 that they desperately need to take some heat off of to make more effective.

Part of the counter argument to that is whether they could have taken the same $25 million and found a better option to take the heat off of Johnson.

I get that, but I don't think there's really a more complete compliment out there to be had as a top-end #2 WR.

There were other options (we can debate who are better and how realistic acquiring them would be):UFAs

Antonio Bryant, Kevin Walter, Laveraneus Coles, Terrell Owens, Derrick Mason, Chris Chambers, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Lee Evans, Lance Moore, Muhsin Muhammad, Antwaan Randel El

RFAs

Miles Austin, Mark Clayton, Braylon Edwards, Vincent Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Sinorice Moss

There are also trade possibilities. The point being, it's not like it was Burleson or nothing. Again, I don't think the Burleson signing was that bad, but they might have been able to finagle something that might have been a better option or given them a little more flexability elsewhere.

 

[Donnybrook]

I can't believe Lee Evans is a UFA. David, is it possible you got him confused with Josh Reed?

 

[Spartans Rule]

Trade for Corey Williams and race to sign Kyle Vanden Bosch, which makes drafting either McCoy or Suh at 2 unlikely

It doesn't make that unlikely at all. Don't underestimate how bad the Lions defensive line was last year. Detroit finished 25th in run defense and 29th in sacks, and that's with a decent LB crew. Dewayne White was the best DL on the team and he's not very good.Another DT to go alongside Williams is still a huge need after these moves.

 

[David Yudkin]

I can't believe Lee Evans is a UFA. David, is it possible you got him confused with Josh Reed?

He's listed as a UFA on the KFFL site. I suppose they could be wrong . . . but he does have the 6 years of experience to qualify as a UFA.

 

[Wyld Stallyns]

I can't believe Lee Evans is a UFA. David, is it possible you got him confused with Josh Reed?

He's listed as a UFA on the KFFL site. I suppose they could be wrong . . . but he does have the 6 years of experience to qualify as a UFA.

He isn't listed on the NFL.com page...

 

[Donnybrook]

There were 24 WR last year that were paid an average of $5 million between salary and prorated bonus including Michael Clayton, Michael Jenkins, Chris Chambers, Deion Branch, Devin Hester, and Bernard Berrian. David Givens was in that range as well before he got cut. Javon Walker signed a big contract a year or two ago with Oakland. I don't think it's that terrible a signing given the current market conditions.

I am tired of people bring up Berrian. He has been very productive receiver for the Vikings. Why aren't we talking about Roy Williams, Jerry Porter and even Kevin Curtis? These guys along with the other players mentioned above are basically stealing money.

 

[ninerfan]

If I'm in the Lions front office I would still go after Boldin as my #2 and make Burleson my slot receiver. Bryant Johnson can handle the #4 spot. CJ would see way less double coverage IMO and the Lions passing game instantly becomes potent.

 

[menobrown]

I can't believe Lee Evans is a UFA. David, is it possible you got him confused with Josh Reed?

He's listed as a UFA on the KFFL site. I suppose they could be wrong . . . but he does have the 6 years of experience to qualify as a UFA.

Evans is not UFA and neither is Lance Moore.

 

[azgroover]

If I'm in the Lions front office I would still go after Boldin as my #2 and make Burleson my slot receiver. Bryant Johnson can handle the #4 spot. CJ would see way less double coverage IMO and the Lions passing game instantly becomes potent.

This is the exact reason why the Cards want to trade Boldin. It's just stupid to tie that much money up into WRs.(ETA: post was made under the assumption that CJ has a big contract)

 

[Donnybrook]

I can't believe Lee Evans is a UFA. David, is it possible you got him confused with Josh Reed?

He's listed as a UFA on the KFFL site. I suppose they could be wrong . . . but he does have the 6 years of experience to qualify as a UFA.

Evans is not UFA and neither is Lance Moore.

According to rotoworld, Evans signed a four year, $37.25 contract extention in 2008. 18.25 M guaranteed

 

[David Yudkin]

I can't believe Lee Evans is a UFA. David, is it possible you got him confused with Josh Reed?

He's listed as a UFA on the KFFL site. I suppose they could be wrong . . . but he does have the 6 years of experience to qualify as a UFA.

Evans is not UFA and neither is Lance Moore.

According to rotoworld, Evans signed a four year, $37.25 contract extention in 2008. 18.25 M guaranteed

I just pulled names off a list . . . and it looks like the list was wrong.Unless Evans was cut and I missed it (doubtful), he is signed through 2012.Moore is on the wrong list and was a 2nd round RFA tender.

 

[Spartans Rule]

If I'm in the Lions front office I would still go after Boldin as my #2 and make Burleson my slot receiver. Bryant Johnson can handle the #4 spot. CJ would see way less double coverage IMO and the Lions passing game instantly becomes potent.

The Lions passing game won't become potent until they can keep Stafford off his back. Doesn't matter what they do at WR.I fear for his health behind the current line. Not just football health, he could literally get killed behind what they've got now.

 

[ninerfan]

If I'm in the Lions front office I would still go after Boldin as my #2 and make Burleson my slot receiver. Bryant Johnson can handle the #4 spot. CJ would see way less double coverage IMO and the Lions passing game instantly becomes potent.

This is the exact reason why the Cards want to trade Boldin. It's just stupid to tie that much money up into WRs.(ETA: post was made under the assumption that CJ has a big contract)

1. I don't think the Cards ever really wanted to trade Boldin. They can afford to trade him now because they think they may have the players to replace him in Breaston and Doucet.2. The Lions averaged 16.4 ppg last year. That has to change. I don't understand why they signed Burleson instead of pursuing Boldin but they did. However, they'll need more playmakers on offense to be competitive. They'll probably spend their first two picks on defense (which they should) but why not give up a 3rd rounder for Boldin?

 

[anakin]

If I'm in the Lions front office I would still go after Boldin as my #2 and make Burleson my slot receiver. Bryant Johnson can handle the #4 spot. CJ would see way less double coverage IMO and the Lions passing game instantly becomes potent.

This is the exact reason why the Cards want to trade Boldin. It's just stupid to tie that much money up into WRs.(ETA: post was made under the assumption that CJ has a big contract)

1. I don't think the Cards ever really wanted to trade Boldin. They can afford to trade him now because they think they may have the players to replace him in Breaston and Doucet.2. The Lions averaged 16.4 ppg last year. That has to change. I don't understand why they signed Burleson instead of pursuing Boldin but they did. However, they'll need more playmakers on offense to be competitive. They'll probably spend their first two picks on defense (which they should) but why not give up a 3rd rounder for Boldin?

Because they would have to shell out $15-20m in guaranteed money and pick 34 is a very high 3rd rounder in a very deep draft.

 

[David Yudkin]

If I'm in the Lions front office I would still go after Boldin as my #2 and make Burleson my slot receiver. Bryant Johnson can handle the #4 spot. CJ would see way less double coverage IMO and the Lions passing game instantly becomes potent.

This is the exact reason why the Cards want to trade Boldin. It's just stupid to tie that much money up into WRs.(ETA: post was made under the assumption that CJ has a big contract)

1. I don't think the Cards ever really wanted to trade Boldin. They can afford to trade him now because they think they may have the players to replace him in Breaston and Doucet.2. The Lions averaged 16.4 ppg last year. That has to change. I don't understand why they signed Burleson instead of pursuing Boldin but they did. However, they'll need more playmakers on offense to be competitive. They'll probably spend their first two picks on defense (which they should) but why not give up a 3rd rounder for Boldin?

I don't remember which threads I posted this in, but I don't think a team will actually be able get Boldin for a third rounder. I do no think the Cardinals ever said that . . . I believe it was a reporter's opinion that that's what it would take.If Boldin plays another year in ARI and then signs elswhere for big money (which would be a safe bet), Arizona would likely earn a 3rd round compensatory pick. So their net gain would be only a handful of picks in the third round. That makes no sense. (They would go from say the 33rd or 34th pick in the 3rd by letting him walk vs. whatever pick in the 3rd another team would be offering.)In the Lions case, their pick would be an early third rounder, but I think Boldin is worth more than simply moving up 30 spots in the 3rd round.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Everyone knows Burleson is not the greatest WR in the world, but he is still pretty fast and had a good year last year. I don't think he has lost much. Face facts: the Lions badly needed a decent WR2 to take some pressure off of Calvin. I don't see any other WRs who are any better. Boldin would not only cost the Lions a 3rd (or more), he would want a big contract and the Lions would be foolish to tie up that much money in another WR PLUS give up a high 3rd that can be used on defense. Walter is not bad, but he isn't fast and speed is what the Lions are after. Now I hope they can find another fast WR in the draft to put in the slot.

I like the moves the Lions have made. They aren't the flashiest names out there, but they all really improve this team. As far as the contracts, sure they overpaid a bit. But Burleson's contract isn't all that bad.

As for the comments that the defensive line moves mean they might bypass Suh (or McCoy), I'm not buying it. The Lions could immensely improve their line by drafting Suh or McCoy and an improved line means an improved defense.

Now if we could just find some corners....

 

[MG345]

The knocks on Nate, from his time in Seattle, is he runs lazy routes, doesn't fight for the ball, and even has been accused of not knowing his plays.

Aside from that, he has good hands, is a good red zone target, and can do a lot with YAC. He also is a good teammate, and a good person all around. He had a weekly radio show here in Seattle (with Branch) and they would answer questions from fans every single week. He never backed down from mistakes, never made excuses, and always seemed to look at things positively.

While I am not sad to see Burleson go, because I believe he can be replaced... I definitely will miss him as a Hawk. Hope he does well in Detroit.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Everyone knows Burleson is not the greatest WR in the world, but he is still pretty fast and had a good year last year. I don't think he has lost much. Face facts: the Lions badly needed a decent WR2 to take some pressure off of Calvin. I don't see any other WRs who are any better. Boldin would not only cost the Lions a 3rd (or more), he would want a big contract and the Lions would be foolish to tie up that much money in another WR PLUS give up a high 3rd that can be used on defense. Walter is not bad, but he isn't fast and speed is what the Lions are after. Now I hope they can find another fast WR in the draft to put in the slot. I like the moves the Lions have made. They aren't the flashiest names out there, but they all really improve this team. As far as the contracts, sure they overpaid a bit. But Burleson's contract isn't all that bad. As for the comments that the defensive line moves mean they might bypass Suh (or McCoy), I'm not buying it. The Lions could immensely improve their line by drafting Suh or McCoy and an improved line means an improved defense.Now if we could just find some corners....

Can we get you a Detroit Lions pennent to waive around when you break them down?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Everyone knows Burleson is not the greatest WR in the world, but he is still pretty fast and had a good year last year. I don't think he has lost much. Face facts: the Lions badly needed a decent WR2 to take some pressure off of Calvin. I don't see any other WRs who are any better. Boldin would not only cost the Lions a 3rd (or more), he would want a big contract and the Lions would be foolish to tie up that much money in another WR PLUS give up a high 3rd that can be used on defense. Walter is not bad, but he isn't fast and speed is what the Lions are after. Now I hope they can find another fast WR in the draft to put in the slot. I like the moves the Lions have made. They aren't the flashiest names out there, but they all really improve this team. As far as the contracts, sure they overpaid a bit. But Burleson's contract isn't all that bad. As for the comments that the defensive line moves mean they might bypass Suh (or McCoy), I'm not buying it. The Lions could immensely improve their line by drafting Suh or McCoy and an improved line means an improved defense.Now if we could just find some corners....

Can we get you a Detroit Lions pennent to waive around when you break them down?

I'll gladly wave a pennant when I think about the difference between Bryant Johnson as the starting WR last year and Burleson this year. It's night and day. Johnson couldn't separate and couldn't catch anything.

 

[identikit]

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Im really surprised detroit didnt give up a 3rd rounder next year for Cromartie. They need CBs bad

 

[MG345]

Everyone knows Burleson is not the greatest WR in the world, but he is still pretty fast and had a good year last year. I don't think he has lost much. Face facts: the Lions badly needed a decent WR2 to take some pressure off of Calvin. I don't see any other WRs who are any better. Boldin would not only cost the Lions a 3rd (or more), he would want a big contract and the Lions would be foolish to tie up that much money in another WR PLUS give up a high 3rd that can be used on defense. Walter is not bad, but he isn't fast and speed is what the Lions are after. Now I hope they can find another fast WR in the draft to put in the slot.

I like the moves the Lions have made. They aren't the flashiest names out there, but they all really improve this team. As far as the contracts, sure they overpaid a bit. But Burleson's contract isn't all that bad.

As for the comments that the defensive line moves mean they might bypass Suh (or McCoy), I'm not buying it. The Lions could immensely improve their line by drafting Suh or McCoy and an improved line means an improved defense.

Now if we could just find some corners....

Can we get you a Detroit Lions pennent to waive around when you break them down?

I'll gladly wave a pennant when I think about the difference between Bryant Johnson as the starting WR last year and Burleson this year. It's night and day. Johnson couldn't separate and couldn't catch anything.

Good luck with Burleson then, that was one of his biggest knocks here.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'll gladly wave a pennant when I think about the difference between Bryant Johnson as the starting WR last year and Burleson this year. It's night and day. Johnson couldn't separate and couldn't catch anything.

Burleson won't have much impact up there. $25 million seems like a lot to me. I understand how you feel but I think Detroit would be better off int he 2nd and 3rd round of the NFL Draft, and maybe they will look there as they could use some more weapons for Stafford who I think is going to be very solid up there.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I'll gladly wave a pennant when I think about the difference between Bryant Johnson as the starting WR last year and Burleson this year. It's night and day. Johnson couldn't separate and couldn't catch anything.

Burleson won't have much impact up there. $25 million seems like a lot to me. I understand how you feel but I think Detroit would be better off int he 2nd and 3rd round of the NFL Draft, and maybe they will look there as they could use some more weapons for Stafford who I think is going to be very solid up there.

That would be fine...except the Lions have too many holes to spend that high of a pick on a WR. We have no CBs at all and I have to think that will be the top priority with the 2nd rounder...unless a RB slides like Best, in which case the 3rd could be used on a CB. The whole thing is more about the total lack of overall talent rather than how good Burleson is. He is solid enough that the Lions can address CB or perhaps RB in round 2. That is another reason they got Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams. Had they not, that would have been another position that would have demanded an early pick...even if Suh gets drafted.

 

[jurb26]

Seems like the Lions went out got themselves a number two receiver and upgraded their team. Why are so many people upset by this?

I'm more shocked by the Williams and KVB stuff. Now granted if they plan on these two moves AND taking McCoy/Suh, then I'll gladly retract my statement. But if they look at these two guys as a reason to go elsewhere with the 2nd pick, then I'm baffled.

Doesn't hurt to have some depth or options in case something else happens, like a trade that blows them away, or their top rated DT is off the board, or they don't want to pay a DT Haynesworth type money?

As I said, if they still take one of the two DTs, then I stand corrected.

This is simply giving the Lions more options. You seem to be forgetting that Det is hell-bent on trading the #2 pick. Though I doubt they can, I think they understand that if somehow they do they still need to have upgrades on the Dline and now they have them. If they can't then they simply add another huge upgrade at Dline. My guess is that Det is trying to move into a position more suitable to drafting one of the many outstanding Tackles in this draft. They are probably still going to think loooong and hard about taking one of them if they can't move the #2 pick as well. They need to keep Stafford healthy and allow him to develop and they know it.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Seems like the Lions went out got themselves a number two receiver and upgraded their team. Why are so many people upset by this?

I'm more shocked by the Williams and KVB stuff. Now granted if they plan on these two moves AND taking McCoy/Suh, then I'll gladly retract my statement. But if they look at these two guys as a reason to go elsewhere with the 2nd pick, then I'm baffled.

Doesn't hurt to have some depth or options in case something else happens, like a trade that blows them away, or their top rated DT is off the board, or they don't want to pay a DT Haynesworth type money?

As I said, if they still take one of the two DTs, then I stand corrected.

This is simply giving the Lions more options. You seem to be forgetting that Det is hell-bent on trading the #2 pick. Though I doubt they can, I think they understand that if somehow they do they still need to have upgrades on the Dline and now they have them. If they can't then they simply add another huge upgrade at Dline. My guess is that Det is trying to move into a position more suitable to drafting one of the many outstanding Tackles in this draft. They are probably still going to think loooong and hard about taking one of them if they can't move the #2 pick as well. They need to keep Stafford healthy and allow him to develop and they know it.

Excellent point Jurb. I also would like to see Detroit go Left Tackle and protect Matt Stafford. They are years away from taking the NFC North, don't rush things. Try and get Stafford developed, he's good and is going to be a solid QB, just need him to stay healthy and not run for his life.

 

[Steel Dillo]

I'd rather the Lions gave the 3rd rder for Boldin and gave him same guarantees in a 3 yr deal, bad signing IMO

Not for Deon Butler.

I love Butler's chances for breaking out this year. He has absolutely no one in front of him to keep him off the field. He will end up on the majority of my teams next year.

Sure he does. I've always thought they would release Branch but now reports are they are going to keep him. That's a little hard to believe they would pay him over $5mill this year but if it's true I see Branch starting over Butler.

In his 8 year career, Branch has had 79, 57, 53 receptions in his 3 BEST years. His best year was with the Pats over 5 years ago. I don't see Branch as anything to worry about.