NFL free agency opens two weeks from tomorrow, meaning the clock is ticking on the Detroit Lions to re-sign some of their defensive free agents. Defensive end Cliff Avril may be franchised if he isn't signed to a long-term deal, but all indications are he is the only player who could potentially receive the tag.
As a result of this, even if the Lions are able to re-sign Avril and free up the franchise tag, it's possible they will run the risk of losing linebacker Stephen Tulloch and cornerback Eric Wright. Tulloch has already been linked to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which could reportedly have some interest in him if he becomes a free agent. I'm sure several teams would be interested in his services, and the same goes for Wright, who is being linked to the St. Louis Rams.
Look for Rams to show interest in CB Eric Wright if he reaches free agency.
— gregg rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) February 27, 2012
The Lions met with Wright's agent on Saturday night to continue negotiating about a possible new deal. If they want him back, it may be wise to lock him up before he hits the open market. Then again, they could do something similar to last year and let him test the free agent waters like Chris Houston did. It turned out Houston's value wasn't as high as some thought and he ultimately ended up re-signing with Detroit. Perhaps that will be the case with Wright as well.