Tuesday Notes: Lions Sign Peterman to Five-Year Extension

by Sean Yuille on Feb 17, 2009 12:53 AM EST in Notes Comment 2 comments

Mike Furrey's credibility in regards to what he said about Daunte Culpepper being named the starting quarterback has come into serious question. I say that because Furrey revealed to the Detroit Free Press that he hasn't even talked to a quarterback on the roster in at least four weeks.

"I have not talked to Jon or Danny specifically about that situation," Furrey said. "I have not talked to Drew at all; I have not talked to him since I left the locker room."
Knowing that, I wouldn't put too much thought into what Furrey said during that interview on Sirius NFL Radio.
Offensive guard Stephen Peterman was signed to a five-year extension yesterday by the Lions. His new deal is worth $15 million and includes $5.5 million of guaranteed money. The Lions decided to bring him back mainly after offensive line coach George Yarno was hired, as he coached Peterman at LSU. This move made sense for that reason and because Peterman has been a decent OG over the years. He's not an out of this world talent, but he's not bad, either. Re-signing him was the right move since consistently decent lineman for the Lions are hard to come by.
The Lions now will try to re-sign fullback Moran Norris and kicker Jason Hanson. If a deal isn't reached with Hanson by Thursday, then he will get the franchise tag.
Speaking of the franchise tag, John Niyo compiled the guaranteed salaries for players that are tagged. If Hanson is in fact franchised, he will receive a guaranteed salary of $2.48 million.
Matthew Stafford isn't going to participate in drills at the NFL Combine, but that doesn't that the Lions won't get a look at him. The Lions will see him first when they attend his pro day workout in Georgia and again when they hold a private workout of their own. Apparently the Lions will do something similar with Mark Sanchez and Josh Freeman as well, showing that they are going to extensively scout each quarterback that is a potential first-round pick.
A couple videos profiling Stafford's draft preparation have been posted by the Detroit News.
Jared Allen thinks very highly of Bob Karmelowicz, who is the Lions' new defensive line coach. (HT: Tom Kowalski)