Wednesday Notes: Lions Re-Sign DeAngelo Smith, Will Host Landon Johnson for a Visit

by Sean Yuille on Mar 17, 2010 6:16 AM EDT in Detroit Lions Notes

The Lions have re-signed cornerback DeAngelo Smith. Smith was one of five exclusive rights free agents for the Lions. All of them were tendered offers, meaning they have to sign with the team or sit out the season, and Smith is the first to sign as far as I know.
Linebacker Landon Johnson is scheduled to visit the Lions today. Johnson was released by the Panthers on March 5 after spending two seasons with the team. Before that he played for the Bengals from 2004-07 and led the team in tackles for three seasons. His numbers dropped significantly in Carolina because he didn't start a single game in 2008 and was only in the starting lineup 3 times last season. This was quite a change after he started 53 games in four seasons with the Bengals, but as John Niyo points out, he was more of a special teams player with the Panthers. Considering the Lions' special teams coach used to be with the Panthers, I think we can assume that their connection is a big reason why Johnson is set to visit.
Matthew Stafford didn't run at full speed yesterday (he should be able to at the minicamp next month), but he was throwing at full speed.
Stafford gave Nate Burleson a call as part of the Lions' effort to recruit him to Detroit.
The move to trade for Shaun Hill excites Stafford.
Stafford has gained a lot of valuable experience since he first joined the Lions a year ago.
There is still time to join Pride of Detroit Tournament Pick'em, so if you haven't already signed up for the group and submitted your picks, do it before the games tip off on Thursday.

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DeAngelo Smith. He had the one bone headed special teams play but other than that he was pretty solid on special teams. I think he could evolve into a nice Dime or Nickel DB as well. Probably not a starter but a good young contributor.

by severs28 on Mar 17, 2010 8:31 AM EDT reply actions

Okay we resigned Smith but were is the help for Delmas, the secondary is where we need help as of now. I think are D-Line is fine we have nice depth there, are LB’s are better than last year due to the upgrade of the d-line. Seriously you got Sharper on the market bring him in for a 1 to 2 yr contract let him help Delmas get better as well as devolope young talant behind him (Sharper) like Major Wright in the 4th or 5th. You also have Danieal Manning a 3rd tender maybe a trade and a 6 or 7 rd for 2011, or O.J Atogwe first refusal offer the guy a contract. Both of these players are still young been in the league 5 to 6 yrs and are proven to be solid Safeties.

by SmittyJ on Mar 17, 2010 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

We have Veterns on the D-Line and Lb positions....

Were going to trade down for more picks and add O-line and DBs…I see RB as a need as well. I beleieve the Lions did not want to get a older RB since they have a young QB, prefering to get a young RB to grow and be here for a while with Stafford. We will be fine at DB after the Draft. Trust in Mayhew, we can not fix everything in FA bro !

by Joey-P on Mar 17, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Landon Johnson

Seems like Special teams fodder to me.

"Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind." - Pride Leader, Sean Yuille, wielder of the Ban Hammer.
2010 Wests Tigers : Current record - 1-0 : Current Position - 8th : Last game - Defeated Manly Sea Eagles 26 -22

by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 17, 2010 6:30 PM EDT reply actions