Detroit Lions Free Agency Round-Up: Day 3
September 16, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson (38) returns an interception against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
What was thought to be an active weekend in free agency, due to the NFL’s new three day negotiating period, turned into a day of pure speculation as the NFL issued an email to each team warning against the possibility of tampering. No agreements, real or implied, are permitted. Agents were leveraging teams against teams, and players were trying to feel out the market. We take a look back at the reports that tied any, and all players to the Lions.
We learned yesterday, via MLives Anwar Richardson, that the Lions will be in hot pursuit of free agent defensive end William Hayes. Over the weekend, Hayes was on my list of 12 free agents the Lions should pursue. Last season, without recording a start, Hayes tallied seven sacks on just 379 snaps for the Rams. With only one defensive end currently under contract, the Lions would be wise to pursue Hayes.
Lions in hot pursuit of DE William Hayes, per @AnwarRichardson. Money, familiarity make sense. In 5 to watch from Sat http://t.co/zgkddXPbHP
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 11, 2013
We also learned the Lions slapped offensive tackle Jason Fox with the original-round tender yesterday. Any team can now negotiate a contract with Fox, however, the Lions can match any contract or receive a fourth round pick from that team. With the re-signing of Fox and fellow offensive tackle Corey Hilliard earlier this month, we posed the question if Jeff Backus’ window in Detroit is closing.
Lions put the original round tender of $1.393M on Jason Fox.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 11, 2013
Ian Rapoport reported that the Lions interest in Reggie Bush is “significant,” and the Cardinals will be the competition for his services.
How is the #Cardinals interest in Reggie Bush, as termed to me? "Significant." Lions is too, though. #GameOn #Hashtags
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2013
The Lions have interest in free agent safety Glover Quin, also on my 12 free agents the Lions should pursue, according to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network. Quin would be a great, versatile safety to add to the Lions secondary.
Hearing a lot of buzz about the Lions and safety Glover Quin. Tomorrow could be an active day for Martin Mayhew.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 12, 2013
The wildcard of the day, came from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Former San Francisco 49er and soon-to-be free agent Dashon Goldson is reportedly being pursued by the Lions. According to Schefter, Tampa Bay and Detroit are considered the favorites to land his services.
Four teams - SF, PHIL, DET, TB - in play on Dashon Goldson - but DET, TB considered favorites. TB also in on CBs Sean Smith, B. Grimes, DRC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013
Many rumors are sure to swirl around the organization in the coming days, make sure to check back for the latest Lions news.