Long time Lions fan here who has followed the Pride for a few years now. Have not posted yet because I feel like

this blog could consume my life. I am writing to see what you guys think about the possible signing of Robert Mathis

to fil the void if we can not resign Avril long term. Avril's cap hit would be 10.8 million next year if we tag him. This cap

hit would really hurt the chances of resigning Tulloch or grabbing a free agent such as Finnegan or Griffin from the

Titans.Looking at Mathis' statistics and leadership qualities makes me think he would be a great fit with the Lions

on a one or two year contract that would only take a cap hit of 2-4 million a year. This would give the ample amount

of time for Willie Young or a high draft pick to be groomed into the possible successor of the very important pass

rusher from the Left side. I know typically Mathis lines up primarily from the RDE side that VDB lines up on, but I am

pretty sure he and Freeney switch sides consistently to create matchup problems. I love Avril as a difference maker

and think he is a great team player (not selfish as some fans have come to think recently) but his cap hit I feel will

really hurt our chances of improving in other areas. Let me know what light you can shed on the issue.