Photo Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Free agent safety George Wilson, formerly of the Buffalo Bills, met with the Detroit Lions today and it sounds like the meeting went well. That’s good news considering the Lions need to upgrade at least one safety spot.

Here is some of what Wilson had to say today (via Tim Twentyman on twitter):

They are looking for something and they see that I possess what they’re looking for.

I definitely think I fit what they’re looking for … a guy that can cover, leadership, communication and consistency.

I’m very optimistic about my visit today and we’ll see what happens as we move forward.

Wilson was set to make about $3 million in 2013 before he was cut by the Bills. It was billed (yuk, yuk, yuk…) as a cost savings measure but was widely regarded as a curious move considering Wilson is still a productive player at a reasonable cost.

Since Wilson was cut instead of heading to free agency after an expired contract, he is free to sign at any time rather than waiting for March 12. Getting a deal done with Wilson lets them move on to other pressing needs when the new league year begins in less than four weeks.

Oct 21, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills strong safety George Wilson (37) breaks up a long pass to Tennessee Titans wide receiver Damian Williams (17) during the third quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Titans beat the Bills 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Louis Delmas has never played a full season while Amari Spievey has been inconsistent and has a history of concussions. The Lions have needs all over the place but they may not be as desperate as the situation at safety.

So it’s no wonder the team has shown early interest in George Wilson shortly following his release from the Buffalo Bills. Wilson already has visits scheduled with the Lions and Tennessee Titans and it wouldn’t be surprising to hear of more added to the list. Wilson is in Tennessee today and will meet with the Lions tomorrow.

The move saves the Bills money, but comes at the expense of a productive player. Pro Football Focus rated Wilson as the 8th best safety for the 2012 season with an overall rating of +12.4. Of particular note is the fact that he did so by being solid against the run (+3.6) and pass (+7.4).

Wilson was set to make $2.9 million next season, seemingly a bargain considering the franchise tag value for safeties is in the neighborhood of $6 million. At the very least meeting with Wilson will help set the team’s course for negotiations with Louis Delmas. Because Wilson is a free agent by release rather than expiring contract, he may sign with a new team immediately rather than waiting for March 12.