Detroit Lions Offseason: Martin Mayhew is Burning Up the Phone Lines
Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Martin Mayhew seems bound and determined to improve his team’s woeful 4-12 record from last year, by not leaving any stone unturned. He’s back to his old self of seemingly signing a decent veteran every week this offseason. His latest was getting defensive end Israel Idonije to sign on the dotted line last week. I hope we never see the 2012 version of Mayhew again; the one that proudly stated that he had 21 of 22 starters returning and seemed bored or unwilling to improve his 10-6 playoff team.
It sure sounds like Mr. Mayhew got the message loud and clear from the Ford family that the 2013 version of the Detroit Lions better not look anything like the 2012 kitty cats that ended the season. Limping to the finish line with an eight game losing streak is a good way to ensure you’ll be looking for a new job. Mayhew’s inactivity last offseason was a huge red flag that he somehow thought that the Lions had arrived and all he had to do was sit back and watch the team return to the playoffs. How’d that work out?
I really like what I’m seeing from the front office this offseason. Mayhew seems like he’s walking around the Allen Park complex with two cell phones going constantly. Last year the Lions only had five transactions in the month of June, and one of those was the announcement that they signed Head Coach Jim Schwartz to a contract extension. Flash forward to this year, and in the month of June alone they signed Idonije, TE Matt Veldman, DE Braylon Broughton, WR Matt Willis, G Leroy Harris, G Jake Scott, WR Micheal Spurlock, RB Montell Owens and S Chris Hope. That’s a mouthful.
Mayhew is doing his due diligence this year. Notice that most of the signings were in areas of uncertainty. I’m pretty sure third round draft pick Larry Warford is going to win the starting guard job in training camp this year, but it sure doesn’t hurt to bring in a couple of other guards, just in case he doesn’t perform well or in case of injury. The only place that I feel like Mayhew is taking a bit of a gamble on, is the safety position. Glover Quin is a great addition, but what if he gets injured? Unfortunately, Louis Delmas seems like he’ll have a short career with knee problems still holding him back despite an offseason of rest. The back-ups don’t give me a lot of confidence.
Mayhew’s season is right now. Once they get to training camp, the General Manager’s job is pretty much done for the year, and he’s not missing any chance to improve his team. How else can you explain the signing of “Kickalicious” Håvard Rugland? You just never know, it might not work–but he’s going to try.