2012 Salary Cap Casualties The Lions Could Target

by Dustin J Quarrella on Feb 9, 2012 8:22 AM EST

The Detroit Lions have a multitude of difficult decisions to make this offseason. Detroit's focus remains on retaining the services of Cliff Avril, Stephen Tulloch, Jeff Backus, and Eric Wright, but the front office brass is also setting their sights on the cap casualties of other teams in the NFL.

Vincent Frank of fantasyknuckleheads.com has an intriguing, well thought out series in which he's examining potential players who may fall victim to release as a result of the salary cap. The following players are potential bargains for the Lions pending the inability to land one or two of their primary free agent targets.

LB Thomas Howard - Cincinnati Bengals - 29 years old on opening day

Howard is an intriguing player. After spending five seasons with the Oakland Raiders, Howard started 15 games last season for the surging Bengals. With Dontay Moch and Manny Lawson, the Bengals may not be able to afford Howard's services. Howard had 64 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and a sack last season in a starting role. Howard may command more money than the Lions have to offer, but he would provide depth at a position of need.

LB Gary Brackett - Indianapolis Colts - 32 years old on opening day

Brackett is another player that could provide experience and depth. The Colts are likely switching to a 3-4 scheme, and Brackett is a 4-3 LB. According to Frank, Brackett will be a $7 million cap hit, so the likelihood he's released is strong.

Three 1st Round "Busts" that have potential to be released

OT Eugene Monroe, CB Kareem Jackson, DE Derrick Morgan.

I don't see Jackson being released, but Monroe could be an option. I think most of us would prefer the Lions draft young lineman, but Monroe is still young (25 on opening day), and could be a sneaky bargain pickup if released.

I'll attempt to respond to any statements as they come.

ROAR.

By: Dustin J Quarrella

Poll

If you had to pick one of the players listed, who would you want the most?

Eugene Monroe

76 votes

Kareem Jackson

20 votes

Derrick Morgan

23 votes

Thomas Howard

18 votes

Gary Brackett

9 votes

146 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.

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Comments

There is no way the Jags will release Eugene Monroe.

He had a very good season both pass blocking and run blocking. And no one lets a young Left Tackle go.

And Eugene’s CAP hit is only $3.5M in 2012.

LINK:http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/jacksonville-jaguars/eugene-monroe/

You might be thinking about Jason Smith of the Rams. He has been terrible and there is talk of him being released. I would not want him based on his history so far; poor play at Left and Right Tackle and lots of injuries including concussions.

"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 9, 2012 5:35 PM EST reply actions

Yeppers.

I’m guessing he meant Smith, because I don’t think anybody would be crazy enough to think that Monroe will be anything but a Jaguar next year.

by motown313 on Feb 11, 2012 9:02 PM EST up reply actions

this is from vincent frank's piece...he could be wrong, but this is what he wrote

OT- Eugene Monroe: $9.0 million

Its hard to imagine that the Jacksonville Jaguars would give up on a player they selected 8th overall just three seasons ago, but Eugene Monroe continued to struggle in pass protection in 2011. He was, by all accounts, one of the worst pass protecting offensive tackles in the NFL: right up there with Marc Columbo of the Miami Dolphins.

It also doesn’t help that the former Virginia Cavalier’ is set to count $9 million against the cap. The Jaguars do have a myriad of average possibilities to replace Monroe, which means they could be hesitant to release him outright. Still, you need to have someone you can rely on to protect your young quarterback and the Jaguars don’t have that in Monroe.

by Dustin J Quarrella on Feb 9, 2012 6:59 PM EST reply actions

Who the hell is Vincent Frank?

Can you link to the article please?

According to PFF he gave up nine sacks in 2011, but only four hits and twelve pressures. He also was only called for five penalties.

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 9, 2012 7:27 PM EST up reply actions

I looked up this guy on the internet.

Other likely cuts [according to Mr. Frank]: Rolando McClain of Oakland? Knowshon Moreno of Denver? Glen Dorsey of KC?
And that is only the article I saw on the AFC West. This guy just seems to pick names out of a hat.

IMO he does not have a clue.

NOTE: He is a Niners fan. Formerly a writer at Niners Nation, now at Bleacher Reports.

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 9, 2012 7:46 PM EST reply actions