Andre Gurode Visits Detroit Lions

by Sean Yuille on Sep 2, 2011 2:03 AM EDT in Detroit Lions News

Although the Lions were in Buffalo on Thursday for their final preseason game of 2011, they still hosted former Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode for a visit, according to ESPN Dallas' Calvin Watkins.

Gurode was released earlier this week as the Cowboys continued creating cap space. Fellow former Cowboys offensive lineman Leonard Davis was released in August for the same reason, and he also visited the Lions. His visit happened in mid-August, and so far all has been quiet on the Davis front. He is still a free agent, and there have been no developments involving the Lions.

Chances are the situation with Gurode will end up being similar. He is drawing interest from other teams -- he visited the Seahawks on Wednesday -- and it's unlikely the Lions are going to give him a deal good enough to sign him given their lack of cap space. Besides, this close to the start of the season it's not too likely the Lions will sign somebody to replace Dominic Raiola.

In my mind this was an exploratory visit more than anything. Perhaps if an injury occurs down the road and Gurode is still a free agent something could happen, but I don't envision him joining the team in the near future. It is possible that the Lions are at least thinking about shaking up the offensive line, though.

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I have to agree about it being exploratory

it would surprise me if they signed him. I also agree that money is the main issue along with the reluctance of a team to sign a guy and replace a starting center mid season for any reason other than injury.

That being said I do see one scenario where he could be a Lion sooner rather than later. If he is not looking for a top dollar and he is willing to be a backup the Lions might feel better about him than either of the current backups. It is likely that he would be up to speed before he was ever needed in the case of Raiola being injured.

If the Lions do sign him then that would be a clear cut indicator that either him or Raiola would be gone within the next draft or two and replaced by a rookie. Preferably drafting a rookie next year and letting them backup whoever is better between Raiola and Gurode for a year.

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by Evilsmurf on Sep 2, 2011 2:28 AM EDT reply actions

agree w/ you but wouldnt mind the pick up if can be had

the $$$ scenario. I think that they believe that they can get a cut veteran on a lower salary knowing most teams will not pay that much if the team that cut them wont. This is also where I think that 53 man roster is going to come into play. Taking some $$$ off the books players like MoMo or Wendling Eke to add to that money, maybe even another restructured contract.

To be honest thats been Detroits biggest flaw too they never have a challenge for Dom during camp and these young guys arent enough for them to make that ballsy cut or switch. I could see them doing a 1 yr contract w/ a player like this for depth and go get a Lineman in the draft. To make Dom step his game up I think they should bring in a veteran Center … Really wanted Kruetz … but at least to give him some challenge or more security that Stafford will stay protected

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by JaiGaiaAries on Sep 2, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I am just happy...

that the Lions are obviously beginning to explore upgrades for the center position. I don’t hate Dominic Raiola, he would be a great backup center. He just is not a top quality starter any more. There was a time when he was, but that time is past.

I never met him, but he was family to me... R.I.P. Tom Kowalski We will all miss you.

by TuffLynx on Sep 2, 2011 2:48 AM EDT reply actions

We don't need him.

Sure… nothing wrong with these exploratory visits; the Lions are merely sending a message, and have already with bringing in Niswanger and Chris Morris. Gerberry has been getting most the snaps, so you have to assume that he might be better than Dylan Gandy. I’m not sure they have the balls to cut Raiola though… not this year, even though he can’t power run block. He just wasn’t so exposed with the old Lion zone blocking schemes. II believe he’s making $2.4 mil this season, and $3.6 in 2012.

The problem with Raiola is you can play him anywhere else; he’s too small… what else is new, huh? I’m sure one of the Centers could fill his role, while giving us over $3 mil in cap space. I’d cut him now. I’d also put Jason Fox on PUP until he’s ready to practice, along with Mo Morris, Nick Fairley, and Alfonso Smith. If Backus isn’t 100%, I’d put him there too. This would allow the Lions to start off with Gerberry, Sims, Chambers, Niswanger, and Gos, with Hilliard, Thomas, and Culbreath as reserves. With this bunch, all you would need is 8. I’ve previously said dump Peterman. If you want to go with 9, you can add either Gandy or Chris Morris.

by Garold on Sep 2, 2011 3:11 AM EDT reply actions

Shake, shake, shake! Shake, shake, shake!

Shake that line up! Oh. Shake that line up!

NO HOMO!!!!!!!

by FMFDOC8404 on Sep 2, 2011 7:13 AM EDT reply actions

They are positively drooling over him being in town on 97.1 this morning.

Is someone finally in this organization realizing that the impediment to an effective running game is the man in the middle?

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by delusional on Sep 2, 2011 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

Cant agree more...

Every play starts at the C spot. As much as I love Dom and his heart and loyalty, I’d seriously consider Gurode. Ask yourself this question. If he was our center this year would the O-line be better with him? Or with Raiola?

by Maxha on Sep 2, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

not sure

Stafford is our #1 priority and investment. Everything evolves around him. If Gurode didn’t pick up ALL the calls and protections like Dom, than that would be a big risk. That said, I’d love to make it happen somehow and bring Gurode along slowly as backup until he’s got everything down and can not only improve the run blocking but also hold steady as the caller…

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by rames on Sep 3, 2011 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions

I would love this

But Idk if 1) they have the money he could potentially demand and 2) if it isn’t a little to late in the game to bring him in. The center has so many other responsibilities other than just physically pushing the other guy around. I think we’d end up regretting it if we did, there’d be a crazy amount of delayed blitzes right up the middle and it’d improve the run game but at the expense of Stafford’s protection in the middle of that line.

by fiendishdr.wu on Sep 2, 2011 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

Stop toying with my emotions

first Leonard Davis, now this.

by harryddunn on Sep 2, 2011 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

We are not swapping out anyone on the offensive line, unless they get hurt

That is all

"Common Sense, isn't" Solomon Short

by YpsilantiJeff on Sep 2, 2011 1:32 PM EDT reply actions

True, but the fire gets a little hotter when one knows there's starting talent ready to take their place.

.Does your momma have a Big Ass like your head?

by delusional on Sep 2, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

fire gets hotter?

You could put a Nuke under Doms butt and he would still get pushed into the backfield more often than not.

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by joshsun on Sep 2, 2011 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions