May 22, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Lance Long (86) during organized team activities at Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

When Martin Mayhew says that he views roster improvement as a continual process, he isn’t kidding. All we need for evidence is this week full of roster moves. What, you thought they were done shifting guys in and out?

Wide receiver Lance Long and defensive end Robert Maci are the latest to depart. Their release makes room for the signing of free agent wide receiver Nate Willis and defensive end Braylon Broughton.

Yes, the same Braylon Broughton the team claimed on waivers only to release as a result of a failed physical less than two weeks ago. What changed over the course of the last two weeks is anyone’s guess. Perhaps the issue that triggered the failed physical just needed a couple weeks to heal and the Lions took the opportunity to try out a couple other bodies rather than waiting on Broughton to heal. What is clear, however, is that the Lions like Broughton having shown interest in him in the pre-draft process in 2012 and claiming him a couple weeks ago when he was released by the New Orleans Saints.

What is important to note about these latest moves is they come in close proximity to the close of the voluntary portion of OTAs. Next week the Lions hold their mandatory offseason minicamp.

December 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Micheal Spurlock (87) returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest unsettled questions for the Detroit Lions throughout this offseason has been who they will tab as their return man. Stefan Logan is not expected to return, leaving the Lions with a host of internal candidates to fill the role such as Joique Bell, Devin Thomas, Mike Thomas, Reggie Bush, Darius Slay and Theo Riddick.

The Lions have shown a preference for a dedicated return man rather than using a player also relied upon to fill an offensive or defensive position. They may have found that guy after signing Micheal Spurlock.

Spurlock has played some wide receiver over the course of his NFL career but it is his return ability that has kept him in the league. He has a pair of punt returns for touchdowns to his credit, as well as three career kick returns for touchdowns.

Spurlock averaged 23.4 yards per kick return between the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers a year ago – 2.1 yards per return better than Logan’s 2012 average with the Lions. His punt return average of 14.1 yards was a full five yards better than Logan.

Don’t expect the job to be handed to Spurlock, but after losing out on Joshua Cribbs, the Lions have done well in finding another solid option.

Nov 26, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard Jake Scott (64) blocks Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (92) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Less than 24 hours after the Detroit Lions signed veteran guard Leroy Harris, the team has added another veteran guard. Jake Scott becomes the latest according to a tweet from his agent.

Scott has played nine seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Philadelphia Eagles after stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.

Pro Football Focus gave Scott the seventh-best grade for guards in 2011. However, the free agent market wasn’t kind to him and he didn’t sign a deal until the Eagles came calling in the middle of the 2012 season. He didn’t rate as highly in 2013 but he brings 128 games worth of starting experience and may be the Lions best backup option with Rob Sims and Larry Warford the presumed starters.

It will be interesting to see how this situation shakes out and if it has any bearing on what happens at center. Perhaps the signings have something to do with the way the Lions view Bill Nagy and Rodney Austin – either in terms of them as prospects in general or in terms of where they best fit on the line.