Lions tender Jason Fox at original-round level

The Detroit Lions have tendered a contract to offensive tackle Jason Fox, who is set to become a restricted free agent on Tuesday. As first reported by NFL Network's Albert Breer, the tender is at the original-round level, meaning Fox's salary for 2013 is slated to be $1.323 million.

If some other team has interest in signing Fox, it would cost them a fourth-round pick to take him from the Lions. That's the round Fox was drafted in back in 2010, and if it got to the point where Fox signed an offer sheet and the Lions declined to match it, they would get a fourth-rounder back for losing him.

Of course, it's highly unlikely that Fox will be signed by another team. Aside from the fact that restricted free agents rarely change teams, Fox is an unproven player with a history of injuries. I doubt there are any teams out there willing to give up a fourth-round pick for him.

With that said, the Lions do seem to think pretty highly of Fox. At the very least, they like his potential considering he is viewed as an offensive lineman who is ready to start. With right tackle Gosder Cherilus likely departing as a free agent, Fox should be in the mix to crack the starting lineup once he officially re-signs with the Lions.