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Detroit Lions News & Rumors

Lions Re-Sign Dan Orlovsky

March 11th, 2016 at 11:14am CST by Luke Adams

The Lions have re-signed backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky to a new contract, the team announced today in a press release.Dan Orlovsky

[RELATED: Lions re-sign LB Tahir Whitehead]

Orlovsky, 32, has been with the Lions for the last two seasons, and saw his first action in relief of Matthew Stafford in 2015. For the season, he completed 22 of 40 passes for 201 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He hasn’t started a game since the 2011 season, as a Colt. Of course, his longest stretch as a starter came in 2008 for the Lions team that went 0-16.

While Orlovsky looks like the current favorite to be No. 2 on Detroit’s depth chart again in 2016, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press tweets that he expects the team to draft a signal-caller to compete with Orlovsky this year.

Terms of the deal aren’t yet known, but I’d be surprised if it’s much more than a minimum salary contract.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Lions Re-Sign Tahir Whitehead

March 11th, 2016 at 11:05am CST by Zachary Links

FRIDAY, 11:05am: The Lions have officially re-signed Whitehead, the team announced today in a press release. Financial details on his two-year deal can be found right here.

THURSDAY, 3:37pm: The Lions are set to re-sign linebacker Tahir Whitehead, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). It’s a two-year deal worth more than $8MM, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Tahir Whitehead (featured)

Whitehead was visiting with the Buccaneers today but, as it turns out, he’ll be staying put in Detroit. The 25-year-old (26 in April) ranked as our top non-rush outside linebacker when we examined 2016’s top defensive free agents over the weekend, though it should be noted that this was a weak crop of non-rush OLBs. In addition to the Bucs, the Eagles also showed interest in plucking Whitehead away from the Lions. Whitehead has said all along that his preference was to remain with the Lions, though he did say that he was focused on being a starter.

“Yes, that’s definitely one of the big factors because as a player in this league you don’t go somewhere or be on someone’s team just to be someone’s backup,” he said. “You want to go somewhere where you’re wanted, where you’re needed and you’re going to play. So I definitely want to be a starter. I think I’ve shown that I can be a starter in this league.”

Whitehead has appeared in all 16 of the Lions’ regular season games in the last three seasons.When Stephen Tulloch went down with a knee injury early in 2014, the Temple product was elevated to the starting lineup and wound up finishing second on the team in tackles. This past season, Whitehead took a backseat to Tulloch in the first half of the season but he started the final eight games and looked strong. In 2015, he started nine of his 16 games, recording 47 total tackles, 1 sack, six pass deflections, and one interception.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Contract Details: Kearse, Whitehead, Hali

March 11th, 2016 at 10:49am CST by Luke Adams

Here are a few of the latest contract details for players who have agreed to new deals and/or signed them in recent days. All links are courtesy of Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle unless otherwise indicated…

NFC:

  • Jermaine Kearse, WR (Seahawks): Three years, $13.5MM. $6.3MM guaranteed. $5.5MM signing bonus. Up to $4.7MM in total incentives/escalators (Twitter links via Wilson and Tom Pelissero of USA Today).
  • Tahir Whitehead, LB (Lions): Two years, $8MM. $4.75MM guaranteed. $3MM signing bonus. $500K in annual playing-time/Pro Bowl incentives. $200K in per-game active roster bonuses in 2017 (Twitter links).
  • Sherrick McManis, CB (Bears): Two years, $2.85MM. $600K signing bonus. $150K roster bonus due 10th day of 2016 league year. $50K annual workout bonus (Twitter link).
  • Senio Kelemete, OL (Saints): Two years, $2.7MM. $300K signing bonus. $50K roster bonus due third day of 2017 league year. Up to $600K in annual incentives (Twitter links).
  • Kenrick Ellis, DT (Vikings): One year, $810K. $25K workout bonus. $25K bonus for one game on 53-man roster (Twitter link via Pelissero).

AFC:

  • Tamba Hali, OLB (Chiefs): Three years, $21MM. $11.5MM fully guaranteed. $4.75MM signing bonus. $500K annually in weight bonuses (five weigh-ins worth $100K each). $500K annually in per-game active roster bonuses (Twitter links via Wilson and Pelissero).
  • Robert Golden, S (Steelers): Three years, $4.95MM. $1.25MM signing bonus (Twitter link).
  • Eddie Pleasant, S (Texans): Two years, $2.15MM. $311K roster bonus in 2016. $36K roster bonus in 2017 (Twitter link).
  • Shane Lechler, P (Texans): One year, $1.8MM. $500K signing bonus (Twitter link).
  • Khiry Robinson, RB (Jets): One year, $1.175MM. $80K signing bonus. $20K roster bonus for first game. $350K in per-game roster bonuses (Twitter link).
  • Nick Novak, K (Texans): One year, $965K. Minimum salary benefit. $80K roster bonus due March 14 (Twitter link).

Draft Rumors: Bosa, Powell, Chargers, Browns

March 11th, 2016 at 10:34am CST by Zachary Links

The latest draft buzz:

  • Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa will be dining with the Chargers on Friday evening, Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net tweets.
  • Safety Tyvis Powell had one-on-one interviews with the Browns, Lions, Titans, and Saints, per Pauline (via WalterFootball.com). The Titans are looking to grab a safety on day two of the draft while the Lions are hoping to grab a safety early after whiffing on George Iloka in free agency.
  • Tight end Nick Vannett met with the Eagles, 49ers, Broncos, Seahawks, Falcons, and Jets. The Ohio State tight end was said to have had a strong showing at the 2016 Senior Bowl. At 6’6″ and 257 pounds, he has the size to compete as an NFL tight end. The Jets met with Vannett previously, so they could have a heightened level of interest in him.
  • Fast-rising Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee interviewed with the Browns and Saints on Thursday, per Pauline.
  • Mississippi State defensive back Taveze Calhoun met “extensively” with the 49ers and he has had private meetings with the Dolphins, Giants, and Rams. It sounds like Calhoun could be rising up draft boards.
  • Ohio State receiver Michael Thomas looked impressive at the program’s Pro Day and Pauline added that he met with the Saints on Thursday. He also had an “outstanding” meeting with the Browns and he’ll meet with the Patriots next week.

Free Agent Rumors: Weddle, Kerley, Broncos

March 10th, 2016 at 9:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here’s the latest from some of the free agents yet to sign on Day 2.

  • Eric Weddle won’t be in a rush to determine his new location, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). Despite the eagerness Weddle displayed to leave San Diego during his acrimonious final days with the Chargers, the 10th-year safety figures to take his time and mull the options that present themselves to the 31-year-old two-time first-team All-Pro, La Canfora notes. Weddle, though, has four teams after him, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune tweets. One of those is the Raiders, as expected.
  • Although it will take more than just money to secure the services of Colin Kaepernick given that he’s under contract with the 49ers, the sixth-year quarterback was high among the Broncos‘ plan B options, a source told 9News’ Mike Klis before Brock Osweiler agreed to the four-year, $72MM that sent him to Houston.
  • Should the Broncos not be able to pry Kaepernick away from the 49ers or sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, one of their options should be a two-pronged approach, Klis writes, involving a trade for either Brian Hoyer or Nick Foles and selecting a quarterback in the first round. While Fitzpatrick wants a salary in line with other franchise QBs at ~$16MM AAV, Foles’ salary for 2016 is $7.75MM and Hoyer set to earn $4.86MM. Klis, who rates this as the No. 1 option the Broncos should consider, lists Connor Cook and Dak Prescott as QBs that will be available at No. 31.
  • The Chiefs‘ perpetual search for a No. 2 wide receiver will continue when the team hosts Jeremy Kerley on a visit, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Kerley will meet with the Chiefs on Friday, ESPN.com’s Josina Anderson reports (via Twitter). The Jets recently released Kerley despite having signed the slot receiver to an extension in Oct. 2014. Kerley, who will be 28 this year, finished with career-worst numbers after being phased out of Chan Gailey‘s offense as Eric Decker took over primary slot duties. Kerley’s best season came in 2012, when he caught 56 passes for 827 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn’t topped 550 yards since.
  • Rafael Bush will visit the Lions on Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. A torn pectoral muscle sidelined Bush after one game last season, but he started in 13 combined contests in 2013-14 for the Saints.

Contract Details: Smith, Martin, Sweezy, Thornton

March 10th, 2016 at 9:32pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are some of the latest details on recently agreed-upon or signed contracts from around the NFL. All Twitter links are courtesy of Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle unless otherwise indicated…

  • Sean Smith, CB (Raiders): Four years, $38MM. $20MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. 2016 $5.75MM base salary is guaranteed. 2017 $5MM salary guaranteed against injury upon signing. 2018 base: $8.25MM. 2019: $8.75MM. $500K annual Pro Bowl incentive. Smith has $4.25MM roster bonus guaranteed on third day of 2017 league year. (Twitter links). $15.25MM fully guaranteed in first 12 months of the deal, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today (on Twitter)
  • Byron Maxwell, CB (Dolphins): As part of restructure, gave back $1.5MM in cash on 2017 salary in exchange for $2MM guaranteed in ’17, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter)
  • Doug Martin, RB (Buccaneers): Five years, $35.75MM. $15MM guaranteed. $4MM roster bonus on March 14. Guaranteed base salaries of $4MM, $7MM in 2016, 2017. Salaries from 2018-20: $6.75MM, $7MM, $7MM. $1.44MM escalator for stats, playing time, Pro Bowls from 2017-20 (Twitter links)
  • J.R. Sweezy, G (Buccaneers): Five years, $32.5MM. $14.5MM guaranteed. $5MM roster bonus on March 15. Base salaries from 2016-20: $4.5MM, $2.5MM, $6.5MM, $5.75MM, $5.75MM. $2.75MM roster bonus in 2017. (Twitter link)
  • Cedric Thornton, DE (Cowboys): Four years, $17MM. $9MM guaranteed. $5MM signing bonus. Base salaries 2016-19: $1MM (guaranteed), $3MM (guaranteed against injury), $4MM, $4MM. (Twitter link)
  • Tracy Porter, CB (Bears): Three years, $12MM. $4.25MM guaranteed. $900K signing bonus. $1.6MM roster bonus on March 30. Base salaries from 2016-18: $1.5MM, $3.5MM, $3.5MM. $1MM Pro Bowl bonus in each year. (Twitter links via Wilson and Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times)
  • Bilal Powell, RB (Jets): Three years, $11.25MM. $250MM signing bonus. 2016 base salary of $850K, which is guaranteed. $2.5MM of $3.75MM 2017 base salary guaranteed. (Twitter link)
  • Tony Bergstrom, C (Texans): Two years, $5.75MM. $750K signing bonus. $1.5MM guaranteed. Base salaries in 2016-17: $1.23MM (guaranteed), $2.63MM (guaranteed against injury). $750K roster bonus April 18. (Twitter links)
  • Johnson Bademosi, DB (Lions): Two years, $4.5MM. $2.9MM guaranteed. Base salaries in 2016-17: $1.1MM, $1.3MM. $50K annual workout bonus. $400K Pro Bowl incentive. (Twitter link)

Minor NFL Transactions: 3/10/16

March 10th, 2016 at 9:11pm CST by Zachary Links

Today’s minor moves from around the NFL:

  • The Cardinals have re-signed tight end Ifeanyi Momah, tweets Howard Balzer of The SportsXchange. Momah survived Arizona’s preseason roster cuts in 2015, but suffered a torn meniscus before Week 1, ending his season. Momah received an ERFA tender from the Cards last week.
  • Corey Fuller signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Lions, Wilson tweets. Fuller caught four passes for 76 yards last season after posting 212 yards on 14 receptions in 2014.
  • A Saints cog from 2012-14, tackle Bryce Harris re-signed with the Falcons, his 2015 employer, according to Evan Woodberry of NOLA.com (on Twitter). The former UDFA played in two games for the Falcons last season.
  • The Cardinals cut wide receiver Damond Powell with a non-football injury designation, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle tweets.

Earlier updates:

  • The Cowboys have re-signed cornerback Josh Thomas to a one-year contract, says Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Thomas, originally selected in the fifth round of the 2011 draft by the Cowboys, rejoined the team at the end of last season. In between his two stints in Dallas, he played 51 regular-season contests for the Panthers, Lions, Colts, Jets, and Seahawks.
  • Tight end Zach Sudfeld has re-signed with the Jets, agent Jason Bernstein tweets. Manish Mehta of the Daily News (on Twitter) adds that it is a one-year deal. Sudfeld was a restricted free agent, so his new deal will presumably be for less than the low-round tender of $1.671MM.
  • The Chiefs announced (on Twitter) that they have signed defensive lineman David King and linebacker Efe Obada.
  • The Dolphins have re-signed linebacker James-Michael Johnson, per Howard Balzer of USA Today Sports (on Twitter).
  • The Chargers re-signed ERFA guard Kenny Wiggins, Balzer tweets.
  • The Jets will not tender an offer to punter Ryan Quigley, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com tweets.

Lions Sign Stefan Charles

March 10th, 2016 at 6:32pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions are signing defensive tackle Stefan Charles, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The team has since confirmed the move (Twitter link).

Charles, 28 in June, appeared in 13 games for the Bills last season, collecting 13 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. However, he was non-tendered by Buffalo earlier this month. For his career, Charles has appeared in 37 games across three years.

As Charles signs elsewhere, the Bills could lose a restricted free agent in wide receiver Chris Hogan.

Lions To Sign Johnson Bademosi

March 10th, 2016 at 6:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

6:05pm: Bademosi’s deal ranks as one of the highest accords for special-teamers, with the Lions agreeing to pay the fifth-year defender $4.5MM over two years, with unspecified incentives potentially escalating that to $6MM, Schefter tweets.

5:31pm: Another player will be departing Cleveland in a fast-paced week for Browns exits, with the Lions reaching an agreement with Johnson Bademosi, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

A defensive back and top special-teamer for the Browns, Bademosi agreed to terms with Detroit on a two-year deal. After arriving from Stanford as a UDFA, Bademosi played in 62 games for the Browns from 2012-15, starting none.

The Browns have now lost Mitchell Schwartz, Alex Mack, Tashaun Gipson, Travis Benjamin and Bademosi in barely a day.

Draft Rumors: Jack, Lawson, Kearse, Alexander

March 10th, 2016 at 5:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

This week being veteran-centric, let’s look at the latest occurring at some of the draft prospects who will soon take over the NFL news cycle.

  • Myles Jack received full clearance during a visit with a UCLA surgeon, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Rapoport adds that Jack, a projected top-10 pick, is ready to ramp up training following this positive diagnosis.
  • Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson met with the Jets, Titans and Saints on Wednesday and told Dan Hope of OrangeandWhite.com (on Twitter) he’s visiting the Browns next.
  • Lawson also has a private workout with the Falcons upcoming, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweets. Lawson told Ledbetter he speaks with Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox, illuminating a connection between the defensive end-needy Falcons and the Clemson pass-rusher.
  • During Clemson’s pro day today, safety Jayron Kearse told media (including Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, via Twitter) he’s scheduled visits with the Buccaneers, Jaguars, Lions, Saints and Steelers.
  • NFL personnel are “gushing” over Clemson corner Mackensie Alexander‘s workout at the Tigers’ pro day, while scouts weren’t as taken with Kearse’s positional-drills work, per Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com. One source told Pauline that Kearse would be better off “gaining 20 pounds and moving to linebacker.”
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