Where The Lions Roster Stands: Offense
by Sean Yuille on Jan 16, 2012 8:02 AM EST
in Detroit Lions Roster
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PrintIn the coming weeks, as we start focusing more on the NFL Draft and free agency, Pride of Detroit will go through the Detroit Lions roster in a position-by-position breakdown of the team. Like we have done many times in the past, the breakdown will focus on where each position stands and what needs exist going forward. Essentially, the series of posts will serve as a primer for what the Lions need to do during the offseason.
Before we start looking at each position, I first want to take a more general look at the Lions roster. To do this, I have broken down the roster by position and divided up the players based on if they are under contract for next season or if they are set to become a free agent in March. I decided against including the cap hit for each player since I couldn't find numbers that I knew were accurate. If you want information like that, I suggest checking out Spotrac or Rotoworld.
Today, let's take a look at where the Lions offense stands. (Defense and special teams will be posted tomorrow.)
Quarterback
Under contract: Matthew Stafford (through 2014)
Free agents: Shaun Hill (UFA), Drew Stanton (UFA)
Running Back
Under contract: Jahvid Best (through 2014), Mikel Leshoure (through 2014), Keiland Williams (through 2012), Joique Bell (through 2012)
Free agents: Kevin Smith (UFA), Maurice Morris (UFA), Jerome Harrison (UFA)
Wide Receiver
Under contract: Calvin Johnson (through 2012), Nate Burleson (through 2014), Titus Young (through 2014), Stefan Logan (though 2012), Nate Hughes (futures deal), Marcus Harris (futures deal), Terrence Toliver (futures deal)
Free agents: Rashied Davis (UFA), Maurice Stovall (UFA)
Tight End
Under contract: Brandon Pettigrew (through 2013), Tony Scheffler (through 2013), Will Heller (through 2012), Nathan Overbay (futures deal)
Free agents: None
Offensive Tackle
Under contract: Gosder Cherilus (through 2012), Jason Fox (through 2012), Johnny Culbreath (through 2014)
Free agents: Jeff Backus (UFA), Corey Hilliard (RFA)
Offensive Guard
Under contract: Rob Sims (through 2014), Stephen Peterman (through 2013), Jacques McClendon (futures deal)
Free agents: Leonard Davis (UFA)
Center
Under contract: Dominic Raiola (through 2013), Dylan Gandy (through 2012), Dan Gerberry (futures deal)
Free agents: None
Note: The rights for Derrick Williams are still controlled by the Lions since he wasn't signed by anybody after being released. However, I didn't list him (or other players who may be in the same situation) since he wasn't on the roster this past season. I only included players who were with the team when the season came to an end.
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Dam!
Dam….. 2012 is a big year for lions contracts! Seems that the whole offense is 2012 contracts! Wow…..
by hostage42 on Jan 16, 2012 9:00 AM EST via mobile reply actions
same thought
guess our “window” is defined! better get a SB in the next 3 years
by redwingxviii on Jan 16, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Backus and K Smooth are the only 2 FA's that need to be re-signed
I would not mind Stanton,Hill and Logan be given a contract either.
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
Hill is more important.
If you don’t have a competent backup QB, your screwed.
I'd rather have Hill than both of them aswell
Cause If you don’t have a good backup QB(See the Colts) your screwed.
Datsyukian Deke, Detroit Red Wings Blog
Follow @cnsportsblogs
100% agree...In Today's NFL...
You most definately need a serviceable back up Qb or two (see Houston Texans this year)
I like Logan
but seemed like they didn’t find many uses for him
and no one gave him many chances for kickoff returns
by BillySimsMadeMeDo on Jan 16, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Does anyone know
when the Lions can start extending their players contracts?
I think
they can do that whenever they choose.
by Lionsickness on Jan 16, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldnt mind
Getting rid of Logan for a speedy rookie in this years draft. He didn’t bust any big ones this year, and he is 30… I think we should get rid of Keiland Williams, resign Smith, Hill and Backus then extend Calvin for the next 10 years and call it a day.
Ageed on Logan.
Williams will probably be invited to camp at least. Smith should be back. Going to be a full backfield in the preseason Best,Bell,Smith,Leshoure,Morris,Williams.
You both should be ashamed of yourselves.
How dare you talk about letting Logan go. Do you remember how horrible our return game was before he got here?
In all honesty though….I think letting Logan walk is the logical step. With the change in rules he didn’t have that big of an impact (even though he was 11th in the NFL in yards per return average). It’s not like he makes a big impact on offense…although we did get positive yards on every end around he ran. I honestly think the Lions will let him walk…which will make me sad because then I’ll have to change my sig on here.
LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! GO STEFAN LOGAN!
I like Logan.
But he didn’t get it done this year. Whether it something with him or something with the new rules he’s just not worth the Roster spot anymore.
Logan will be back in camp
Just because in case we can’t find anyone else than we can stick with him. Williams should be back in camp but It doesn’t really matter as I doubt he will make it.
Datsyukian Deke, Detroit Red Wings Blog
Follow @cnsportsblogs
I was most disapointed
with his lack of ST tackles and coverage plays compared to last year. The decreased returns were expected with the rules change.
by Lionsickness on Jan 16, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
+ 1
Logan is good but unfortunately he’s one dimensional. I wouldn’t mind giving Titus Young a shot.
House of Spears | My Detroit Lions/NFL Blog
Follow @THouseOfSpears
by Latif Masud on Jan 16, 2012 12:15 PM EST via Android app reply actions
I'm sure Titus could do a good job with it (good hands, speed) ... I'd just be concerned about injury
He’s too valuable to us as a reciever
Lion fan in the Great Land!
Totally Agreed
Titus could be an excellent returner, but he’s also our best n. 3 receiver since a really long time, and we should protect our receiving corp
I could imagine us spending a late pick
on a speedy guy to take Logan’s, and eventually Titus’s place when TY moves up to Nate’s spot.
You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
-Johnny Cash
by TheLoneDavid on Jan 16, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
To bad for logan
How many muffs did he have this year, he got most of them back, but still. He seemed really frustrated with the new rules and kept loosing focus and making bad decisions. It seems like the draft is producing returners at a good rate and we might as well take the chance on a rookie considering how many rookie-like mistakes were made this year. I would like to see them bring a defensive back who doubles as a return man.
by Admiral Ackbar on Jan 18, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Okay, I'll start it up....
Hill is let go….
Stanton is resigned to a 1-3yr deal as #2.
K. Cousins is drafted in the 4th round as #3.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
Who is this Cousins guy?
lol
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GROW THE F UP
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NO!
Vice-Versa
Hill is resigned to a new 2-year deal.
Stanton is allowed to test FA and IF he leaves, then drafted Cousins in the 5th round.
Datsyukian Deke, Detroit Red Wings Blog
Follow @cnsportsblogs
Cousins will not be there in the fifth round.
Not with Barklay and Jones going back. He’ll be a third rounder at the latest.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
Seriously...
I think Cousins has a future in the NFL… He’s WAAAAAY better than Hoyer.(who is #2 behind Brady).
I look forward to seeing what he can do at the Senior bowl.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
Lots of questions. and (If's) If the Leo's draft an Left OT....?
Does that mean Backus is automatically gone? Obviuosly under the new CBA the ‘new guy’ will be cheaper. Or do you sign the aging Backus for a year or two at 1st as the starter and then as a solid depth linemen and a mentor to the next guy? Or if they do draft an OT do they just throw the new kid in the ocean and see if he can swim and hope like hell he doesn’t get Stafford eaten by the sharks in the learning process?
I've been saying since the rule change Logan needs to go.
Titus Young can take the punts, and watch the ball get touched back on kickoffs.
To everyone saying that they don’t want to risk him to injury… he could get injured walking down the street, this is football. You’re going to get hurt eventually, he’s not being paid to not contribute 100%
What's so funny 2011 Lions? Gordon Bombay doesn't think losing is funny.
Leshoure = 2012 Beastmode
Draft Konz!!
Best should be a returner like Sproles
Best is a big play back not a grinder. We have Leshore and Smith for grinder duty. This leaves Logan on the outside looking in.
If Best is too fragile to do this, I’m pretty sure he’s to fragile to do anything else. I think it’s cut bait and fish time with Best.
If Fairley is the man then Williams isn’t. He would be a great rotational player and with less snaps he could extend his career and be more effective when he plays. If he goes with this then he’ll have to take a cut in pay but he also gets a cut in suffering. t
Momo is gone without a significant cut in pay. We need both Tullock and Wright pay them and screw the rest.
I’m pretty sure that CJ is going to take a cut so what’s ever left should take care of most of the other people.
How do you figure
That CJ will take a pay cut? He’s the best WR in the game & will be compensated as such. If the Lions don’t pay him, I’m sure someone else will. I can see them asking Stafford & Suh to creatively help make room to keep Megatron on the roster. I also think that KVB will be calling it a career to help make room for Calvin’s cap hit. Cliff is gonna be the monkey wrench in the situation. He deserves big moneyday for his big 2 seasons and like Calvin will get compensated accordingly.
"I’m not a talker on the field, but if you say something to me, I may say something back to you or I may ignore you. It’s funny because a lot of guys usually come up and say something to me like right before, something like ‘Have a good game,’ or whatever, and I just ignore it. I’m not here to meet friends. I’m here to cause you problems and meet your quarterback. I’ll shake his hand when I’m hitting him." Ndamakong Suh
by Detroitfantc on Jan 17, 2012 7:09 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think CJ is smart
No argument here about what CJ deserves.
If he takes less of the pie, the Lions can shore up other positions. The better the defense, the more Calvin time. The more time Staff has to throw, the more Calvin time. The sky is the limit for this guy. The only thing holding him back are the Lions weaknesses. If he helps them then he has a chance to break all the records. He will then be able to make his money by endorsements even after his playing days are over. Putting the team first, in this case, puts him first, as well.
Anything over seven figures per season is just ego money, honestly.
These kids are set for life. Calvin will have to decide what’s more important to him: money, or hardware. Because no team that’s on the cusp of hardware is going to shell out more than us for him right now, and if he does decide to money chase he’ll wind up having a career similar to Randy Moss; enjoy Oakland, buddy! Maybe he might decide to clean his act up down the road and take somewhat less money to play with a “winner”, but how’d that work out in 2007?
Calvin will get compensated. He’ll be paid, for sure. But to think that Calvin is only going to look at the digits is myopic.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
I agree
CJ isn’t lavish or flashy. What is going to do with those extra millions?
I’ve got a relative that just signed a nice contract in the NBA. The kid is still living off the interest from his signing bonus out of college. The money is more so he can hold his head up around his NBA buddies than anything else I can see.
question about the contracts
For instance Tony Scheffler through 2013 does that mean two more seasons?
Goooooooo Lions
by Joseph Steagall on Jan 18, 2012 1:50 PM EST reply actions
Yes
He’s signed for 2012 and 2013
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