With the news that the Lions designated the franchise tag to Cory Redding, basically meaning it is an almost guarantee that he will be back with Detroit next season, another Cory is probably on his way out. Long time Lions veteran Cory Schlesinger is set to become a free agent in March and the Lions aren't expected to re-sign him.
Following 12 seasons with Detroit, the Lions are going to let Schlesinger test the waters of free agency. If worse comes to worse where the position is not filled, then there is a chance Detroit would try to sign him again. That, however, is if he doesn't end up somewhere else.
Over the course of the 2006 season, Schlesinger saw a decrease in his normal playing time, which is probably one of the main reasons he doesn't have a problem leaving Detroit. Well, that and the fact that the Lions are a horrible franchise, but that's beside the point. I'm sure Schlesinger doesn't enjoy blocking for running backs when the offensive line provides little to no help at all, especially after having Barry Sanders behind him early on in his career.
When asked about this situation, Rod Marinelli had this response:
Asked if Schlesinger will return, Marinelli replied: "You hate to say no. You want to leave a little window open.
"He's been a war-daddy here. That's one lead blocker there."
Basically, Marinelli is saying there is a chance that Schlesinger could be back, but don't count on it. If he in fact does end up somewhere else, then the Lions have a couple of options. They could go out and sign a fullback in free agency or use Shawn Bryson as he converted to fullback last year. Both are viable options, so just stay tuned to see what happens.