Detroit Lions Front-Office Had Plan Heading Into Free Agency

Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

If you didn’t know, the NFL league year kicked off today. For those who are still confused, it began the frenzy they call free agency. The NFL gave the players agents and their respective teams the ability to speak, without negotiating, and evaluate interest in each-other. The result? Ultimate ciaos.

Last season, however, the Lions retained from with, re-signing the likes of Stephen Tulloch, Jeff Backus, Shaun Hill, Cliff Avril and extending Calvin Johnson, among other moves. Their only significant signing in free agency, if you’d like to call it that, was acquiring Jacob Lacey to replace Eric Wright at cornerback.

Despite general manager Martin Mayhew’s loyalty from within his own organization last season, he’s looking to become a player in this years frenzy.

“We were a non-player in free agency last year, so we’ll definitely be a bigger player this year than we were last year,” Mayhew said. “Obviously, things aren’t going in the right direction. Things didn’t go in the right direction last year. We’ve got to make some changes. We’ve got to improve our roster and we’ll definitely make some moves in that direction this offseason.”

Although the team had only $6.68 million heading into the weekend, Mayhew has made the most of that money, so far. They re-signed offensive tackle Corey Hilliard to a two year deal, paying him $980k this season. Earlier, Tim Twentyman reported the front office, of the Lions, told him he would compete for a starting tackle spot, prompting his return. The Lions then got busy with Jason Fox, giving him the original-tender, fourth round pick would be given up by any team looking to sign him to a long-term deal, and giving Willie Young a second round tender, ensuring he stays put with Detroit.

The Lions then re-signed safety Amari Spievey, presumably under the $1.393 million that would be payed with an original-tender. They also signed three-of-four exclusive rights free agents, retaining Safety Richardo Silva, fullback Shaun Capas and wide receiver Kris Durham. The other exclusive rights free agent, running back Joique Bell, is expected to be retained by the Lions within the near future. With the top 51 salaries counting against a teams cap, these signings will do minimal damage to the Lions current cap number.

The Lions also signed special teams ace Kassim Osgood earlier in the day.

Then Mayhew went to work pursuing free agents. He offered a contract to former Giants receiver Domenik Hixon. Hixon put, what was likely a team friendly contract, on the back-burner in quest of his first significant contract.

Adam Schefter then reported a trio of free agents were set to make trips to Detroit, in hopes of landing a contract. Reggie Bush, who’s highly regarded as the top candidate for the Lions, defensive end Jason Jones, who lives in Detroit and was their first visit of the day, and safety Glover Quin. Each would be great additions for the Lions.

Bush, who is 28, tried to refurbish his reputation as an all-around-back  by rushing for 1,086 yards in 2011 and 986 yards in 2012, while posting a near career-low in receptions with 35 in 2012 (had 78 receptions in his two seasons for Miami). The Lions have struggled to replace Jahvid Best, going 9-19 (including the playoffs) since his injury in week six of 2011.

“We can do some things with the guys that we have,” Mayhew said. “We can restructure some contracts. Going back to last year, we had four guys with $60 million. We were able to restructure those guys and create some room. We can also go that route.”

With very little Cliff Avril news from around the league, and defensive end/outside linebacker Paul Kruger getting a reported 5 year $40.5 million dollar deal (just over $8 million annual), does that leave the door open for a return to Detroit following a restructured deal? and Chris Houston is now in negotiations with Detroit, is Ndamukong Suh open to another restructuring?

All these situations are possible, however, one thing’s for sure, Martin Mayhew came into this week with a plan.