LB Stephen Tulloch/Lions not close in contract negotiations
According to ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio, talks between impending UFA linebacker Stephen Tulloch and the Detroit Lions are reportedly still far apart.
Tulloch is one of many players the Lions would like to work out a long-term deal with and are unlikely to use the franchise tag on him.
Florio also mentions that the Lions are unlikely to cut WR Nate Burleson and DT Corey Williams to free up money considering the team would also like to get All-Pro wide-out Calvin Johnson signed to a long-term deal as well.
Lions approaching deadline with Cliff Avril
The Lions and defensive end Cliff Avril both want to get a long-term deal done. The problem though is both sides are approaching two sets of deadlines that could play a huge role as to whether or not Avril will be back with the Lions next season.
According to Anwar S. Richardson, Detroit has until March 5th to place the franchise tag on Avril or he will be set to become a free agent on March 13th.
If Avril is franchised, Detroit will have until July 16th to work out a long-term with Avril according to the new CBA. If no long-term deal is reached by that date Avril can only re-sign with Detroit and no other team for one season.
Avril made roughly $2.6 million dollars last season and will get a huge pay bump from that. If he is tagged, he will more than likely make around $10 million in 2012.
Lions GM Martin Mayhew stated last week that tagging Avril isn’t the best option however it is a better option than not having him on the field for the Lions next season.
Talks with Jeff Backus ‘progressing’
It looks as though OT Jeff Backus will once again return to the Lions next season.
According to his agent Pat Dye (via Dave Birkett) talks to work out a new contract with Backus have progressed…
“We met at the combine and had a positive discussion,” Dye said. “We’ll probably be reconvening here in the near future and we’ll see where it goes.”
Despite the more pressing issues of getting Avril, Tulloch and Calvin Johnson locked up long-term, the Lions have made it very clear that they want to bring Backus, a staple of their offensive line for many years, back for a 12th season.
“Left tackle No. 1 is a very important position,” coach Jim Schwartz said at the combine. “I think the fact that there’s been movies and books written on it now validates that. I think Jeff has obviously been an incredibly consistent and durable player for us over a long period of time — over a decade. And I think again, we want to be in the position of keeping good players rather than trying to find out ways to get rid of bad ones, and Jeff certainly fits into keeping the good ones.”
Backus, who has played for only the Detroit Lions in his NFL career is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 13th.
Ref: Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, ProFootballTalk.com, Mlive.com