Birkett On Lions’ Roster

The Lions are still working to sign star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to an extension, and by doing so the team will gain some immediate cap relief, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). He also notes that the team was in a similar situation when they freed up $3MM after signing quarterback Matthew Stafford last offseason.

Here are some other notes from Birkett from around the Lions (all links via Twitter):

• On the timetable of the negotiations, Birkett expects the team to get a deal done before training camp, much like they did last year with Stafford. In a separate tweet, he says the likelihood of the extension coming is at 55% in his opinion.
• When asked if guard Rob Sims and linebacker C.J. Mosley could be cut in favor of younger players, Birkett says he doesn’t see it happening. The moves wouldn’t be necessary to sign Suh, so there is no reason to part with veterans who could still be productive players.
• While the team’s top two wide receivers will be superstar Calvin Johnson and offseason acquisition Golden Tate, the team has four players competing to work out of the slot. Although Kevin Ogletree and Kris Durham are in the mix, Birkett predicts either Ryan Broyles or Jeremy Ross will ultimately take that spot.
• While the fight for the number three receiver has a number of options, the most likely answer will be first-round pick Eric Ebron, according to Birkett. Though nominally a tight end, he could have the explosiveness to cause mismatches out of the slot or tight to the formation in some sets.