2012 Cap Situation & Free Agent Possibilities

According to http://www.thenetrat.com/salarycap.html, the Detroit Lions realistic amount of cap space available after the roster is trimmed to 53 players in September will be $15,766,916.

The implied number is just that, implied. It does, nonetheless, provide a framework for which we can examine potential free agents.

Here is a list of realistic signings, position-by-position, in areas of potential need. Remember, however, we can't yet account for the re-structuring of current players deals, or how much cap space would be freed up if we were to release a player(s).

Cornerback: CB Cortland Finnegan. It's possible the Titans decide to franchise Finnegan, but don't bank on it. Finnegan has already stated that he isn't banking on a return to Tennessee, and franchising Finnegan would cost the Titans $10.3 million in cap space next season. The problem here is cost. Signing Finnegan would put a strangle hold on nearly all other potential deals. Another option? CB Brandon Carr. I just don't see the Chiefs allowing Carr to walk. He'll be franchised or signed long-term, but I wouldn't mind seeing the former Flint and Grand Valley State University product return home. Carr is one of the more underrated corners the NFL has.

Running Back: RB Cedric Benson. Benson has been undervalued for years. Cincinnati is looking to get younger, and typically drafts on need over BPA. It's very possible the Bengals acquire the likes of either Trent Richardson or Lamar Miller on draft day. If this happens, look for FA Benson to sign a one or two year, reasonable deal. Benson will be 29 years old on opening day, and has consistently shown ability between the tackles. If the Lions opt to not select a RB via the draft, look for a bargain type addition via free agency. Another option? RB Ronnie Brown.

Wide Receiver: WR Braylon Edwards. I love players with something to prove. As much as Robert Meachem and Mario Manningham entice me, I just don't see either player as affordable, nor am I convinced the Saints and Giants won't retain their services. Braylon Edwards is a Detroit kid, and "Michigan Man." (I'm a Michigan fan, but I'm still trying to figure that one out). Titus Young is proving to be more of an outside threat than the slot receiver many projected him to be, and this signing wouldn't address our need for a slot threat, but could you imagine Edwards in Honolulu blue and silver with black accents? Another option? WR Harry Douglass. Harry is capable. Cheap, and inconsistent, Harry makes it happen when targeted.

Offensive Line: If the Lions sign Finnegan, or another top-flight corner, the money won't be available to bring in the likes of Demetrius Bell or Ben Grubbs. These players may never truly hit the open market to begin with, but if we attempt to look at this from a realistic approach, the Lions aren't signing Bell or Grubbs if we land Finnegan or Carr. Martin Mayhew has made it clear that he wants youth on the offensive line, so don't expect to see more veterans added to the over 30 club (Backus, Raiola, Peterman, L. Davis). If the Lions don't sign a corner, though I believe we will, it shouldn't surprise any of us to see the front office at least make a run for Bell or Grubbs. Another option? OG/OT Deuce Lutui. Lutui has plenty of starting experience, and will be 29 when the season starts. Lutui's best may be behind him, but at 6'4 and 338, he may be the road grading type of guard Detroit needs to establish further depth.

ROAR.

By: Dustin J Quarrella