Larry Foote Schedules Visits with Arizona, Washington

by Sean Yuille on Mar 6, 2010 12:55 PM EST in Detroit Lions News

Linebacker Larry Foote, who officially became a free agent on Friday, has scheduled visits with the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins. Foote drew some late interest from the Cardinals last year before signing with the Lions, most likely because Ken Whisenhunt was with the Steelers at the same time as Foote. Considering that, it's no real surprise that he is drawing interest from Arizona again, especially when you consider that they have already lost Karlos Dansby to the Dolphins. Arizona needs to bring in another linebacker, and there is a connection there with Foote.

More than anything, this seems to indicate that Foote and the Lions have moved on. I know Tom Lewand said it was possible that the two sides could come to a deal even after free agency starts, but the writing seems to be on the wall in this case. Foote wants a multi-year deal that the Lions aren't willing to dish out because they obviously feel comfortable with DeAndre Levy at middle linebacker. I really wish something could get worked out, but I have to remember this is a business. Personal feelings aside, if the Lions think Levy has the middle linebacker position locked down, then there is no point to sign Foote to a multi-year deal.

What I will say is that if Foote is indeed moving on, then I want to thank him for coming to the Lions for the 2009 season. It's not often that a player like Foote will turn down multiple offers to play for a team coming off of a winless season, but that is exactly what Foote did since he wanted to give back to his hometown in more ways than one. I think he did a tremendous job at middle linebacker in 2009, and more than anything he allowed the Lions to transition to the future at that position with DeAndre Levy.

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Comments

I agree with your sentiment.....

This a businees. Levy could very well be the heir apparent for the Mike. What ever happens. I wish Foote good luck.

if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin

by JCruize on Mar 6, 2010 1:05 PM EST reply actions

Keep Him

The Lions bottom line need to keep Larry Foote. I really think he is the perfect fit for our defense, and for stopping the run. He did good last year. He is quick and has the perfect tackle form. Lions Organization, Coaches, someone… You need to keep Larry Foote. Especially now that Vanden Bosch, and our second pick is in. Dont regret it Lions.

by detroitfanincali on Mar 6, 2010 1:23 PM EST reply actions

nothin but love for Larry

Thank you Larry Foote…..we’re going to regret letting you go.

Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!

by KDawg on Mar 6, 2010 1:27 PM EST reply actions

Thanks Larry

Honorary Driver of the Kyle Wilson Bus and Keeper of the Dreadlocks!
The 313 Missile Squadron: Delmas, Berry, Wilson......seek and destroy!
Hey, as long as Zack Follett keeps hitting people, he can rap to Barney the Dinosaur for all I care.

by GRLion on Mar 6, 2010 11:42 PM EST up reply actions

I would have to disagree with you cali

by msivits on Mar 6, 2010 1:28 PM EST reply actions

???

How can you disagree? Look at last years games, and see Foote in most crucial tackles. In fact, in most tackles. C’mon man. U blind?

by detroitfanincali on Mar 6, 2010 1:35 PM EST up reply actions

Watched every game last year just like everyone

Not sayin our D wont miss him either. But I don’t think we can invest alot into him especially after watching Levy. Foote performed well last year but not a pro bowl level. I liked him coming home for a year, it was nice but I also don’t want to them to tie up money and years to a player who probably wants to go back to a 3-4 D.

by msivits on Mar 6, 2010 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

YEAH

Yeah, the money is the problem, and yeah, I guess your right. We can invest in others to step up. I was trying not to focus so much on the money, but it does play the largest role in any Organization.

by detroitfanincali on Mar 6, 2010 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

agreed

he was solid but def not multi year deal worthy….levy will be just fine back there

by DR GRUBE on Mar 6, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

I am in agreement with you msivits.....

Our D will miss him. But we have no idea what Foote is thinking. Or at what cost it will take to keep him here. All Foote has known in his NFL career. Is winning teams and the 3-4 D. I am not saying he did poorly in a 4-3 scheme. Because he was soild. But maybe it is a comfort thing for him.

if the shoe fits...get another one just like it - George Carlin

by JCruize on Mar 6, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

well

I think what we should be happy about is that gunny thinks that Levy is going to be just as good if not better in the future than Foote. I’m glad you came here Mr. Foote. I salute you sir!

I have a 9" personality

by Waitingfortheroar on Mar 6, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions

I think this will be one of the more exciting drafts in the past 10 years

alot is gonna go down….

by msivits on Mar 6, 2010 1:30 PM EST reply actions

so are the lions looking at Hicks as a starter?

one more year Brett Favre!

by RaysOfHope on Mar 6, 2010 2:15 PM EST reply actions

Big Mistake IMO

Foote is a leader in the locker room not to mention he can further mentor our younger backers. He was solid last year, if anything trade Sims and keep foote in the middle and insert Levy in Sims spot. We are fucking up by letting him go.

by Usmarine0341 on Mar 6, 2010 3:24 PM EST reply actions

Goodbye and Good Luck

The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.

by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 6, 2010 6:00 PM EST reply actions

look at the bright side

when we get SUH it will take care of the inside spot nobody will run up the middle.but levy is a good stopper and a good hitter if thy try .foot talk a good game but where’s the detection now.

by silver-rush on Mar 6, 2010 10:39 PM EST reply actions

Foote gone? Unfortunate

It’s too bad Larry will be leaving the Lions. How many players actually want to play in Detroit? It has been very few. The city of Detroit would benefit from having a guy like Larry around for a few more years. He played well most of the time and had some huge plays early in the season where he made big tackles for loss. The team will miss his energy. I hope he finds a good fit elsewhere or that he finds nothing and comes back to Detroit for a bargain.

by Kirt-LionFaninGR! on Mar 7, 2010 1:39 PM EST reply actions

I agree

And like I said about Will James on another thread, the Lions could just be letting Foote see what he can get elsewhere, before bringing him back at just above the best offer he can find.

Oh you didn't know?? You're ass better CALLLLLLLL SOMEBODY!!!!!

by KDawg on Mar 7, 2010 5:37 PM EST up reply actions