:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29988071/20130809_kkt_aj8_580.0.jpg)
The Detroit Lions had two free agents visit on Wednesday. One of them, wide receiver Golden Tate, agreed to a contract before his visit came to an end. The other, center Phil Costa, departed the Lions without a deal.
He left earlier RT @blazeis9: Any word on the Phil Costa situation yet?
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 12, 2014
Considering the Lions are looking at Costa as a potential backup to Dominic Raiola, there may not be much urgency here on either side. Costa previously visited the New England Patriots earlier this week, and he may be waiting things out a bit to find the best fit. The Lions, meanwhile, could end up waiting until after the draft to determine if they need a veteran backup at center.
In other free agency news, safety Antoine Bethea apparently drew some interest from the Lions. He quickly signed a four-year deal worth $21 million with the San Francisco 49ers after free agency opened on Tuesday, and the Lions were never a real threat to sign him. However, it's interesting that they apparently had some interest in him. The Lions also reportedly had interest in safety T.J. Ward, who signed with the Denver Broncos. Their focus at that position now appears to be on James Ihedigbo.