Oct 23, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) celebrates his interception against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at the Metrodome. The Packers win 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Woodson remains a free agent but he is not entertaining thoughts of retirement. His agent has confirmed that Woodson has received an offer from the Denver Broncos and he is scheduled to meet with the Oakland Raiders next week. The Detroit Lions haven’t shown interest yet, but should they?

Louis Delmas and Glover Quin are locked in as starters but the Lions didn’t add a safety for depth through the 2013 NFL Draft and wouldn’t be wise to count on Delmas staying healthy all season. To say the Lions don’t have room for Woodson, even in the later stages of his career, would be a mistake. Woodson’s name is bigger than his impact at this point but that doesn’t mean the Lions shouldn’t at least monitor his situation.

For his part, Woodson expressed a willingness to join the Lions when speaking on WTKA in Ann Arbor on Friday:

“The Lions have players. They just haven’t been able to put it together. Would I be open to playing (for them)? No question. But the dollars have to make sense, too.”

Jeff Backus won’t be playing for the Lions after choosing to retire this offseason, but count him as a former Woodson teammate who would like to see Woodson put on a Lions uniform in 2013:

“He’s been a Lion killer over the years. He’s had so many big interceptions against us and big plays, but he’s still got it. He’s still playing at a high level. He still has that desire and that passion.”

It’s an easy question, Lions fans. Should they or shouldn’t they. Have your say in the poll below or have even more say in the comments section further down.

What have we learned so far this offseason? Cliff Avril wants a huge contract, probably more than the Lions can afford, and the Lions have a huge need at the safety position, especially if Louis Delmas isn’t re-signed this offseason. With that said, the recent releases of Charles Woodson and Dwight Freeney could provide the Lions with suitable starters for an affordable cost. Don’t be shocked if the Lions persue both Woodson and Freeney. Remember, the Lions made moves for veterans Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson in free agency when the team was still finding its groove in the NFL, and both players played starting roles for the 2011 Lions who made the playoffs.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Charles Woodson (21) celebrates a play during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Given the Lions roster as it stands now, I think if the Lions found a way to add both of these players that they will have made huge strides in the right direction for returning to the playoffs, particularly because I think both players have a lot they want to prove.

Woodson is coming off an injury plagued season and a positional change from cornerback, where he was once viewed as the best in the league, to safety, where he probably would love to show that he could excel. Also, you have to think that Woodson would love the idea of playing the Packers twice a year and showing them that he’s still got the ability to produce at a high level. He wants to play for a contender but Woodson has the luxury of being patient as he searches for what will likely be his last NFL stop. With the right moves, the Lions could look more like a contender in a couple months than they do right now.

As for Freeney, he showed he could still play registering five sacks despite not being a good fit for the Colts’ new 3-4 scheme. The poor fit and desire to get younger was enough for the Colts to announce last week that they would not re-sign Freeney.

The two questions all of us have about these former pro bowl players is how much football they have left in them, and how much they are looking to get in free agency. If both players are reasonably priced the Lions should seriously consider making offers to both players, because their ability and leadership would be invaluable, especially for the younger players on the roster who could learn from some of the most dominating players at safety and defensive end in the last 10 years.

This is perhaps the most important offseason for the Lions in a long time and the Lions could fill some serious needs for veteran leadership and plug in starters in this offseason’s free agent period. Last season the Lions weren’t big players in free agency. I hope the front office doesn’t make the same mistake twice.

Week 17 Injury Report
Detroit Lions
Out: None
Doubtful: Aaron Berry (shoulder), Louis Delmas (knee)
Questionable: Corey Williams (hip), Nick Fairley (foot), Chris Houston (knee/hand), Amari Spievey (knee), Willie Young (ankle)
Probable: John Wendling (illness), Calvin Johnson (achilles), Cliff Avril (back), Kevin Smith (ankle)

Green Bay Packers
Out: Greg Jennings (knee), Randall Cobb (groin), James Starks (knee/ankle)
Doubtful: Bryan Bulaga (knee)
Questionable: Clay Matthews (ankle), Charles Woodson (knee)
Probable: Chad Clifton (hamstring/back), Jermichael Finley (knee), Ryan Pickett (concussion)

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