Lions Sign Will James and Lydon Murtha, Release Three
by Sean Yuille on Jul 28, 2009 6:49 PM EDT
in Roster
16 comments
As preparation for training camp continues, the Lions made quite a few changes to their roster today, headlined by the signing of free agent cornerback William James. The Lions also confirmed that they have signed draft picks DeAndre Levy and Lydon Murtha. To make room on the roster for the three players, running back Antone Smith, defensive end Rudolph Hardie, and safety Tra Battle were released.
Will James, who actually played for the University of Michigan for two years (then as Will Peterson), was a member of the Jaguars, so I'm guessing James Harris is behind this move. Jacksonville released James in June, and the Lions brought him in for a workout yesterday. 24 hours or so later, he became a Lion.
James is entering his ninth season in the NFL, and the Lions are his fifth team. He started out as a New York Giant in 2001 and joined the Eagles in 2006. James spent only two seasons in Philadelphia, as he became a Bill during the offseason a year ago. After being released during the final round of roster cuts, he joined the Jaguars, where he played in 8 games. On average, he has only played in around 9.5 games a season. That is mainly due to him playing in only 10 games combined in 2003, 2005, and 2006, but the last two years he has played in 22 total games.
On top of signing James, the two draft picks, and releasing three players, the Lions also brought in quarterbacks Cleo Lemon, Brooks Bollinger, and Craig Nall for a workout. Before training camp begins, the Lions obviously want to make sure that there isn't a free agent backup QB they have missed out on. I expect them to stick with Drew Stanton as the third-string QB, but the Lions may very well see a need to add a player to the competition.
0 recs |
16 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Good stuff, Sean... thanks
I think it can only help to try out James and see if he’s better than Henry or Smith. If not, cut him and keep the young guys like Ramzee Robinson. This staff just seems to continue to perform its due diligence on every nook and cranny of the league. Under Millen, it’s like once free agency and the draft were over… the roster was pretty much done. Can’t wait until the camp cuts start. We might really find some value then.
by DrewsLions on Jul 28, 2009 7:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
r.i.p.
living in south jersey, ive seen alot of eagles football. although im not a fan, johnson got the maximum out of that defense. rest in peace.
by big smoove on Jul 28, 2009 8:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am starting to worry
I’m hoping James Harris doesn’t start bringing in all the Jax retreads. That got us no where with all the T.Bay secondhand Lions. Harris better stop being a Jax homer, and start scouting some real F.A.’s
by Brefstink on Jul 28, 2009 11:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What’s wrong with this signing, or the Northcut signing? And what’s wrong with working out a couple QBs just because one of them is/was a Jag..I say nothing is wrong with that.
When the LEGAL side-effects of a substance, cause more harm to the person, than the side effect of the substance its self, we have an injustice.
- Jimmy Carter
by BIGWalt2990 on Jul 29, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's how every team operates
I know we as Lions fans are scarred by the last few years, and admittedly, Marinelli brought in some really terrible players (and lots of them), but every team with a regime change has this happen. And, in my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with that.
If a VP of Personnel or a new HC has players they value as a known commodity, they can count on them to do what they expect. None of these guys are being brought in as team changing studs. They’re solid depth that are reliable in some fashion.
Besides, he’s what, the 2nd Jag to come here?
by Nate D. on Jul 29, 2009 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But the worry is
that their familiarity with the below average player from his last team will fool him into thinking that they are getting an average player. Marinelli was the king of this, bringing in some has beens and never weres just because they played for him at Tampa.
by ATL Lion on Jul 29, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
William James
I love the idea of us signing another corner. I want a stiff competiton at all of our positions. Keep adding depth and whoever doesn’t work out dump them on or before the roster cuts. Good move Mayhew. Keep it up.
Rip Jim Johnson. You will never be forgotten by football fans.
by Usmarine0341 on Jul 29, 2009 3:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
our coaches now have some experience....
these guys weren’t just a d line coach before they came to us , I will trust they know good players when they see them …. and Matt Millen is not behind all these moves so that should ease some fears as well !!!!!
marc hoople
by spinitnow on Jul 29, 2009 7:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wish we had room for A. Smith on the roster
I had hoped he would make it as the #3 back. I think he has the ability to be a Leon Washington like player.
by ATL Lion on Jul 29, 2009 11:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
William James
It is nice to get a guy this smart on our team. I was reading “The Varieties of Religious Experience” again the other day and it is a great book. Though, I am worried about his age. He may have lost a step since he has been dead for a century.
by ATL Lion on Jul 29, 2009 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You say he is smart ATL, can you link me to his Wonderlic Test score?
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
—William James
Hmmm, sounds like Mr. James is in favour of starting Stafford Week #1 too.
by NorthLeft12 on Jul 29, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 moves to make now an ill be happy
i want kevin carter and DT holllis if we can sign them 2 i know there old like 35 but for this year good fill ins. and i feel kind good about r line
Kevin Smith let em kno, Ernie Sims Break em, Calvin Johnson you already Kno
2009 Detroit Lions 6-10 to 8-8
by DetroitLions 4 life on Jul 29, 2009 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Correction
- im not comfortable about it now :(
Kevin Smith let em kno, Ernie Sims Break em, Calvin Johnson you already Kno
2009 Detroit Lions 6-10 to 8-8
by DetroitLions 4 life on Jul 29, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
william james
i like the signing, because outside of buchanon, henry, and king, there’s not a whole lot on the roster. keith smith will suffer his annual season ending injury, and ramzee robinson is an undersized millen hold-over. we sorely need depth at corner.
by big smoove on Jul 29, 2009 11:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
