Not much has gone on with the Detroit Lions this past week, which seems to be the case every week since the season ended. However, we shouldn’t let the offseason get the best of us. Let’s get you up to date on what you need to know.
Lions Players to Hit Free Agency
Free Agency isn’t for a few more weeks, but we’re going to give you a look on which players could be on their way out.
Detroit Lions : Free Agents To Be? https://t.co/n1MOVUDkd1
— SideLion Report (@SideLionReport) January 15, 2016
Not many starters have expiring contracts this offseason, but it’s going to be interesting to see if Detroit plans to bring back the ones that do. It seems as though the Lions could part ways with Stephen Tulloch and Joique Bell as well. The Lions used Bell for short yardage situations this past year while Abdullah and Riddick handled most of the work. Bell is turning 30 in the next year and would count as $3.5M against the cap.
Stephen Tulloch just doesn’t look like his old self. He was brutal in pass coverage this this season and I wouldn’t expect him back with the team next year; not to mention he would has a $7.3M cap hit in 2016.
Draft Needs
The Lions have the 16th pick in the draft and it’s expected that they will take either an offensive or defensive lineman.
Our own @Bischoff_Scott has a plan to fix the Lions interior defensive line in the draft. https://t.co/VXwwOZDvaJ
— SideLion Report (@SideLionReport) February 12, 2016
Since Suh and Fairley left, the Lions’ defensive line hasn’t been the dominant force like it was in the past. It remains to be seen whether or not Detroit is going to bring back Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker, but if not, the Lions will need to find another solid player at the defensive tackle position. Detroit also has needs at wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive tackle.
Lions to Hire Brian Callahan as QB Coach
The Lions are hiring Broncos offensive assistant Brian Callahan as their new quarterback coach.
Report: Detroit Lions to hire Denver Broncos assistant Brian Callahan as QB coach https://t.co/gIZjUSktXE
— Detroit Lions News (@LionsMLive) February 12, 2016
Callahan will take over as the Lions quarterback coach; the position in which Jim Bob Cooter previously held until he was promoted to offensive coordinator. Both Callahan and Cooter worked alongside each other as assistants in Denver back in 2013.
The team hasn’t officially announced the hiring of Callahan yet, but it’s expected soon. Callahan has been with the Broncos since 2010 and recently won a Super Bowl with the team.
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