FanPost

The Tulloch problem




I'm not a cap expert nor do I care to be but I will say the likely hood of Stephen Tulloch being a Detroit Lion next year seems very unlikley to me. I have felt that this would be the scenario for a very long time but with free agency looming and Calvin Johnsons contract still not being adressed I think it's time to come to terms with it. Tampa want's Tulloch and they have alot of cap to spend so we can't get in a bidding war with them. Now I won't say never but I'm going to say Stephen Tulloch has been a great asset but it's been real man thanks for stopping by. The Lions will be again looking for the starting MLB of the defense again. Free agency has some good options that I feel can save us some cap room and not take a giant step backwards. So how do the Lions replace Stephen Tulloch ? It can be done Tulloch is good but he's nothing that is irreplaceable.

David Hawthorne - Seahawks freeagent is likley to be availible tuesday. 26 years old still has plenty of time to play.6ft 246 LBs was undrafted in 2008. 330 tackles, 5.0 sacks and 7 Ints. Hawthorne seems to fit the mold of a Mayhew signing. Not a big name but he fills the role well and is a very productive player. I also expect he will come at a much cheaper price than Tulloch and probably be a better deal for us. Production from the postion won't have a drastic drop off and we will be saving money. I love the idea of David Hawthorne ( The Heater ) on the inside.

London Fletcher - Still an NFL leader in tackles. Fletch while on the downside I still feel has 3 to 4 really good years left. At age 36 he has 1,782 tackles , 34 sacks, 18 Ints, 18 FF , and 2 TDs. Fletcher gives us veteran leadership and a true tackler on the defense. While his career is winding down a 3 year contract with Fletcher a 3 time pro bowler including 2011 will give us time to find and groom the true solution to the postion. The only knock on him will be his age but in the cap category his age will work to our favor. London Fletcher is a very good addition.

Curtis Lofton - The soul of the Falcons defense may or may not be returning. At 25 years old a 2nd round pick in 2008 at 6ft 241 Lbs Lofton has Perennial Pro Bowler in his future title. The Falcons must resign him but if they don't of all the free agent linebackers he may have the biggest upside. 469 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 2 INTs, and 7 FF. Lofton is a underrated player in my opinion his cap number will likely be the closest to Tullochs but he will be worth every penny as well. This would be the ideal replacement for Tulloch keeping in mind Tulloch is the best option.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride Of Detroit or its writers.