Larry Foote: "Detroit Is Always No. 1"

by Sean Yuille on Apr 28, 2009 3:07 PM EDT in News Comment 58 comments

Middle linebacker Larry Foote is expected to be released after this weekend ~~was released by the Steelers earlier today~~, and his next move may be to join the Detroit Lions, his hometown team. Foote is a Detroit native, and there were rumors earlier in the year that he wanted to play for the Lions whenever his time in Pittsburgh was over. Those rumors were never really confirmed, which is understandable since Foote probably didn't want to say something like that when he was still under contract with another team. Now that he is a free agent, though, Foote isn't hiding his desire to play for the Lions.

"Detroit is always No. 1," said Foote, a Pershing grad who still spends his offseason in Detroit. "I mean, my agent is talking to them about me coming home, and we'll go from there. But no question about it, that's my first choice."

Foote went on to talk a bit about how he wanted to be traded and how one of the teams interested in him was Detroit.

"I don't know what the Steelers were doing in the whole process. They kept saying they were trying to get a trade. I know they were in talks with the Lions. But I don't know how it's gonna work. My agent (Ken Kremer) said the Lions tried to get me, but I still don't know how bad they want me."

Tom Kowalski hypothesized that the Lions very well may have not worried about drafting a middle linebacker this past weekend because of Larry Foote. This move was a foregone conclusion, and it was no secret that Foote wanted to be a Lion. Couple that with the fact that defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham has said he doesn't like starting a bunch of rookies and this may have been some smart planning on the Lions' part. Foote is someone that would start from day one and bring great leadership to the defense. He is a Detroit native, a former University of Michigan player, and someone that spends his offseasons in his home state. I can't think of anybody that would play harder for the Lions than Foote.

UPDATE: There seems to be some conflicting information about whether or not Foote has already been released. According to the transactions list on NFL.com, Foote was cut today, so I'm assuming that info is accurate.

UPDATE II: The Steelers have not released Foote just yet, as it appears they are trying to trade him before simply letting him go. The expectation is that he will be released after this weekend, so let's hope no other team trades for him before then.

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This would be amazing

2 veteran linebackers to teach Ernie and our rookies.

by lionsfan22 on Apr 28, 2009 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think...

Ernie needs that much teaching.

by damnitdamnitdamnit on Apr 28, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he still

gets wild sometimes and misses tackles

by lionsfan22 on Apr 28, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Signing Foote...

Would be great and would only leave us with questions at CB and OL (OT and OG).

by damnitdamnitdamnit on Apr 28, 2009 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And DL (DT and DE)

by NorthLeft12 on Apr 28, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AWESOME

by thePROD1GY on Apr 28, 2009 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I gotta tell you guys, if this was the plan all along, Martin Mayhew will be dangerously close to earning official Knows What Is Up status. All that will have to happen after that is victory . . .

Peace
Ty

http://thelionsinwinter.blogspot.com

by ty@thelionsinwinter on Apr 28, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That would make me very happy

I don’t know which FA signing would explain the 3rd round, but if they had a plan for MLB I would be very happy.

by ATL Lion on Apr 28, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

From idiot to genius....

I’ve been skeptical of Mayhew since he was made GM. Millen once had high praise for him as one of the brightest football minds he’s ever met or something like that. Matt Millen thought he was talent, I automatically think he isn’t. While the the deal for Roy was a good one, I wasn’t ready to get rid of my uneasy feelings about the guy.

Then came draft weekend…..and I was crushed. I was convinced he was an idiot for not addressing MLB. By Sunday I was resigned to wait out the next 5 to 8 years until he finally got fired.

But this changes things. If he went into the draft knowing he could pick up Larry Foote and address that need then the guy might be a genius. Granted he still has to actually get Foote, but this could be huge

by Ottosteve on Apr 28, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he isn't released yet

just heard on the Ticket that the Steelers are going to wait until minicamps this weekend before making a decision. apparently some teams are still interested in trading for him. so he’s not a free man yet, unfortunately.

by giggy09 on Apr 28, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sweet

This would be great. I am still worried about the DTs though, the same scouts drafted two DTs last year so lets hope they arent too “undersized” to contribute. Grady is 36 and really fat and I dont ever remember hearing Darby’s name being mentioned last season so we basically have nobody playing DT. The DT’s help keep the linebackers free of blocks so it might not matter whos at MLB. But Grady did well enough last year with the Falcons so 6 foot nothing rookie MLB Curtis Lofton had a pretty good season. Maybe it was all Lofton or the other DT, I dont know. Lets HOPE Grady and Darby have more last “horrah!” in them or its gonna be a frustrating year for the defense.

by I3usdriver on Apr 28, 2009 3:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gravy is a good player

Just getting old. No one can stuff the middle like that guy and more than once I saw him dragging a guard and center while sacking the QB. He has always been underrated.

by ATL Lion on Apr 28, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sammie Lee Hill

Might be able to platoon with Grady to make one DT.

by damnitdamnitdamnit on Apr 28, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd love for you to be right

But I read an article where Sammie Lee Hill straight up said “There really wasnt anything my coaches could teach me at Stillman. I just went out there and did my thing. I was like a man amongst boys.” Almost word for word I cant remember which media outlet had the article, maybe NFL.com or Detroitlions.com. Basically I just think he needs to be coached up a bit cause yes hes huge but NFL offensive lineman are more huge and have TECHNIQUE. Something Sammie Hill sounds like he needs some work on. But I hope hes just a natural and can contribute but I also hope I win the mega millions lottery every tuesday and friday so…

by I3usdriver on Apr 28, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lol that sounds like a dick thing to say

Basically, my coaches sucked I was the best.

by detpistons3 on Apr 28, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

all he needs is coaching. I feel good with that pick. I feel he could be a diamond in the rough.

by Usmarine0341 on Apr 28, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok heres the article...

At 6-foot-4 and 329 pounds, Hill is the run-stopping defensive lineman that every team is looking for. The only question surrounding Hill is whether he’ll be hurt by his small college background.

Hill understands why that could raise some eyebrows.

“I think the biggest adjustment will be my technique,” Hill said. “I think it will be easy. I just have to work hard at it. I realize I’m a very raw player, but when I get that great coaching, it’ll be easy for me.”

Playing at a small college, Hill was able to dominate with his strength and size alone.

“I didn’t have great coaching,” Hill said. “I was just bigger than everybody else. Being a man among boys, I didn’t get a lot of teaching. I pretty much went out there and played.”

you can read the full article at www.detroitlions.com

by I3usdriver on Apr 28, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah that's definitely a dick thing to say about your coaches

If he said “I need NFL coaching to play at the next level” or something like that, cool. But “I didn’t have great coaching” is a slap in the face to the coaches at Stillman.

They probably work real hard in a small school and finally see one of their players get drafted into the pros, and he turns around says they weren’t great coaches.

Or maybe it’s true, they just said “hey, you’re a big kid, just go out there and knock people over”, I really don’t know, but still it kinda sucks that he said what he said publicly.

by n4ry4 on Apr 29, 2009 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Foote would be a great addition.......

But why not have a real MLB with him to learn and possibly be ready to step in?

And I don’t mean Rey Mau or JL. I am just not sold on Levy or Follett as MLB material. If they get Foote, they will have time to sort that out.

by NorthLeft12 on Apr 28, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Follett more than Levy...

But then again thinking has always been my problem.

by damnitdamnitdamnit on Apr 28, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Follet is a MLB

All his tape shows him flying in from the end.

Don’t get me wrong, after watching his highlight reel I love this guy: hard hitter, sure tackler, fast, constant motor. But playing OLB is not playing ILB

by ATL Lion on Apr 28, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would the Steelers accept?

our fifth rounder next year that we got in the draft?

by damnitdamnitdamnit on Apr 28, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If they release him, we don't have to give up anything

by n4ry4 on Apr 28, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh for god sakes sign him!!!!

I’ve always loved Larry Foote and I would definitely get his jersey if the Lions decide to get him.

by detpistons3 on Apr 28, 2009 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This would be awesome

I love it

Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog

by Packey on Apr 28, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

FOOTE WASNT RELEASED

by ralphgoblue on Apr 28, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not holding my breath. Remember the LAST time everybody wanted a certain MLB (Curry)

and we didn’t get him.

I’d love to get Foote, but I’ve learned that with SchLewHew you can never count on getting somebody you want if you’re a Lions fan.

by n4ry4 on Apr 28, 2009 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's different

That’s the draft, where it was between curry and every college prospect in the entire pool This is between Foote and….who else? This would be an excellent move for the Lions crew

by detpistons3 on Apr 28, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I think he will be a Lion in a matter of a day or two! God I hope we sign this guy!!!!!!!!!

by Usmarine0341 on Apr 28, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Curry is not a MLB

Never was…Never will be.

by doctorjcmu on May 2, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

YES!

I was so worried about that they may actually have to resign Paris Lennon. HOORAY! The team is actually looking decent right now. If Stafford isn’t a bust, Detroit could be good in a year or two.

by ZWC11 on Apr 28, 2009 4:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great news

It sounds like we have a great chance of picking him up. He still has some quality years left him and would give us one of the better (if not the best) LB groups in the league.

by Stones1981 on Apr 28, 2009 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Plus

Don’t forget that the guy EARNED 2 SB rings (he wasn’t sitting on the bench)

by Nate D. on Apr 28, 2009 4:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've skimmed over a Steelers Forum...

Looking up players over the weekend I stumbled across a forum similar to ours. The majority of posts were people a little pissed that they had so many linebackers on the roster. How old is Foote? Is there other player to step in for him and compete at the same level? And is that person cheaper than resigning him? Thats whats gonna determine whether or not he’s released onto the market.

by BIGWalt2990 on Apr 28, 2009 4:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's his salary

The Steelers just paid or are about to pay Lawrence Timmons a hefty sum, and Foote is “old” by their terms.

They have a stud LB corps and Foote is a holdover from Cowher’s regime.

One way or another, he’ll get to Detroit.

by Nate D. on Apr 28, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Timmons is his replacement

FSU

by ATL Lion on Apr 28, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Rooneys like happy players

It seems like they do a good job of taking care of thier players and appreciate what they have done in the past. It seems like when someone wants to go somewhere they work for that if possible. And they do a good job of keeping players they draft on the team, they don`t run after free agents much. I think if Foote wants to come here they will give it a solid effort but will not be low-balled.

by lionsfan64 on Apr 28, 2009 5:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d be very happy if we signed Foote. To be honest, I would just be in love with the move. Let’s hope it gets done.

2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).

by Hyperion Ecta on Apr 28, 2009 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

indeed

by BIGWalt2990 on Apr 28, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Signing Larry Foote potentially

I think would be awesome. 8 yrs experiance doesn’t make him old. Comes from a great team that knows linebackers. Also it seems to justify our draft to most of the fans. I would love to see this move. Are there any free agents, or possibly cuts for OT’s?

by momentumchange on Apr 28, 2009 9:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I still really like this draft even if we don’t sign him though.

by momentumchange on Apr 28, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone think...

Detroit would be interested in Edgerrin James?

by TonyDC on Apr 28, 2009 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hard to say, I would only support it if the price was right. Money should be spent on Foote first.

by BIGWalt2990 on Apr 28, 2009 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he is just a about done.

He showed some flashes of being pretty good at the end of last season but he was pretty fresh. Idk if he would want to be the number 2 back anywhere.

by momentumchange on Apr 29, 2009 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Especially in Detroit

There is a difference in being a #2 on a successful team and on a 4-5 win team.

by doctorjcmu on May 2, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe This?

I wonder if the Steelers would be interested in a right tackle as a trade for Foote?
We could send them Mr. False start …… George Foster.
George has a one year contract and Foote has one year left.
At least they’ll have someone to show to their fans rather than just releasing him and getting nothing.
Hey, the Lions did it with Shaun Rogers……

by wickedd63 on Apr 28, 2009 11:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

wouldn’t that be better than just signing him as a free agent?

by handsomerob1 on Apr 29, 2009 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I cannot see False Start Foster as a tradeable commodity.

by BIGWalt2990 on Apr 29, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They're releasing him cuz they need to clear salary

I doubt they’d want to pick up another contract. They’d only take draft picks at this point.

by wumanchu01 on Apr 29, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

patience is a virtue

wait and they’ll release him. There’s no need to give them anything at all.

by myPride on Apr 29, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Being released after mini camp.

The Ticket is broadcasting this like its for real this time. They say he’s outta there after camp this weekend. I say he’s probably just a temporary body, and is going to be used for running drills and instructing rookies. etc…

by BIGWalt2990 on Apr 29, 2009 9:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

he's a better MLB

than anyone else on the Lions’ roster right now. He will start.

by handsomerob1 on Apr 29, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

PUT YOUR BEST - FOOTE - FORWARD

I was reeellly skeptical when we passed on Curry, Maualuga, AND Laurenitis; it left me scratching my head, wondering what i was missing. Since the Foote issue had reemerged as a possibility, perhaps that makes a bit more sense. Puts things a bit more in focus for all of us. I’m not, after all, a professional; I’m just a fan, albeit one who has waited almost 4 decades for a championship. A good solid vet to hold the middle would go far towards putting the D back in Detroit. Especially if he WANTS TO BE HERE! I’d like to see Kevin Carter join the mix too, if he would be so inclined.

by myPride on Apr 29, 2009 6:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

With the Lion’s luck, he’ll be traded(not here). I sure hope not though.

by BIGWalt2990 on Apr 29, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Am I too late?

I hope this thread isn’t dead already. I follow the Steelers site “BehindtheSteelCurtain”. There was discussion over there of some sort of trade for Foote. My question is this: What sort of trade would have to be developed to move George Foster to us and Larry Foote over to you? Any takers?

Who knew?

by Concomitandt on Apr 29, 2009 10:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We’ll trade Foster for Foote straight up. I don’t think anyone would disagree with me. This thread will be dead after the weekend probly, when Pitt decides to release him….We’re all waiting for that news.

by BIGWalt2990 on Apr 30, 2009 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who Knows?

We are just humble fans. Now that Schwartz et al have had a chance to sort through what they have, they may think that Foster may still be useful.
I know most Lions fans think the worst of Foster and our whole offensive line for that matter, but I don’t think they were as bad as publicized. It will depend on what else the Lions have for depth or starters on the O Line. They ignored it during the draft so maybe they think it is fine as is.

Personally, I would only take Foote on waivers. That does not mean I don’t think highly of him and that he could not help us [I do on both counts] its just that I don’t see us in a position to give up much to get him. I would rather struggle at the MLB position, than mortgage our future or further weaken our O LIne.

by NorthLeft12 on Apr 30, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs