FRIDAY, 1:37pm: Orlovsky’s contract is a minimum salary benefit deal, according to Birkett (via Twitter). The Free Press scribe adds (via Twitter) that the deal includes $125K in guaranteed money — a $65K bonus, plus $60K of the base salary.
WEDNESDAY, 3:03pm: The Lions and Orlovsky have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, reports Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com (via Twitter).
2:39pm: The Lions are expected to reach an agreement to sign free agent quarterback Dan Orlovsky, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press first wrote a week ago when Shaun Hill signed with the Rams that the Lions were likely to turn their attention to Orlovsky, among other options.
Orlovsky, 30, was originally selected by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2005 draft. His most extensive regular-season action came during the team’s infamous 0-16 year in 2008, when he made seven starts, throwing for 1,616 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. In recent years, the veteran signal-caller has served as a backup in Indianapolis and Tampa Bay.
Hill’s departure for St. Louis left the Lions without a clear-cut No. 2 option behind starting QB Matthew Stafford for 2014, so if the team finalizes an agreement with Orlovsky, he becomes the immediate favorite to fill that role. Kellen Moore is also expected to be in the mix for the club.