In the coming weeks, as we start focusing more on the NFL Draft and free agency, Pride of Detroit will go through the Detroit Lions roster in a position-by-position breakdown of the team. Like we have done many times in the past, the breakdown will focus on where each position stands and what needs exist going forward. Essentially, the series of posts will serve as a primer for what the Lions need to do during the offseason.
Before we start looking at each position, I first want to take a more general look at the Lions roster. To do this, I have broken down the roster by position and divided up the players based on if they are under contract for next season or if they are set to become a free agent in March. I decided against including the cap hit for each player since I couldn't find numbers that I knew were accurate. If you want information like that, I suggest checking out Spotrac or Rotoworld.
Today, let's take a look at where the Lions offense stands. (Defense and special teams will be posted tomorrow.)
Quarterback
Under contract: Matthew Stafford (through 2014)
Free agents: Shaun Hill (UFA), Drew Stanton (UFA)
Running Back
Under contract: Jahvid Best (through 2014), Mikel Leshoure (through 2014), Keiland Williams (through 2012), Joique Bell (through 2012)
Free agents: Kevin Smith (UFA), Maurice Morris (UFA), Jerome Harrison (UFA)
Wide Receiver
Under contract: Calvin Johnson (through 2012), Nate Burleson (through 2014), Titus Young (through 2014), Stefan Logan (though 2012), Nate Hughes (futures deal), Marcus Harris (futures deal), Terrence Toliver (futures deal)
Free agents: Rashied Davis (UFA), Maurice Stovall (UFA)
Tight End
Under contract: Brandon Pettigrew (through 2013), Tony Scheffler (through 2013), Will Heller (through 2012), Nathan Overbay (futures deal)
Free agents: None
Offensive Tackle
Under contract: Gosder Cherilus (through 2012), Jason Fox (through 2012), Johnny Culbreath (through 2014)
Free agents: Jeff Backus (UFA), Corey Hilliard (RFA)
Offensive Guard
Under contract: Rob Sims (through 2014), Stephen Peterman (through 2013), Jacques McClendon (futures deal)
Free agents: Leonard Davis (UFA)
Center
Under contract: Dominic Raiola (through 2013), Dylan Gandy (through 2012), Dan Gerberry (futures deal)
Free agents: None
Note: The rights for Derrick Williams are still controlled by the Lions since he wasn't signed by anybody after being released. However, I didn't list him (or other players who may be in the same situation) since he wasn't on the roster this past season. I only included players who were with the team when the season came to an end.