| 05 March 2010
With all the excitement over the free agent signings of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Nate Burleson, and the trade for Corey Williams, you may have overlooked the Lions making a few other personnel moves today.
DT Grady Jackson: Waived
The 37 year old run plugging defensive lineman became expendable with the signing of Williams. We knew when Jackson was signed last off season he was going to be a stopgap in a not very good defensive line. Jackson helped somewhat, but how much can a 1 or 2 down player who can no longer practice regularly actually help? So it was only a matter of how long he would stay. Jackson’s stay in Detroit ended today. It's quite probable his long NFL career ended as well.
TE Will Heller: Signed, terms not announced
Originally signed as a blocking specialist at tight end, Heller played well in spot duty as injuries took their toll on the position. He’ll continue to back up Brandon Pettigrew. I have no issues with the Lions bringing back Heller.
LB Vinny Ciurciu: Signed a one year deal
Ciurciu was signed mid-season for depth and to play special teams, and apparently showed enough for the Lions to bring him back. If not asked to do much more than that, Ciurciu will do fine. If he is asked to do more, the Lions are in trouble. Ciurciu is special teams roster filler.
T/G Jon Jansen: Signed a one year deal worth $860K
The former starting tackle for both the Wolverines and Redskins is now a utility man. Jansen adds experience and depth to an offensive line that needs both. As Jansen showed last season, he can play pretty much anywhere on the offensive line, and knows that versatility will keep him in the NFL as his career winds down. As long as you aren't expecting the Jansen of 5-6 years ago, this is a solid depth signing.
As for the status of the Lions’ own free agents, LB Larry Foote is visiting Washington and Arizona. It looks more and more as if the Lions plan on Deandre Levy taking over for Foote at MLB.
I wouldn’t mind TE Casey Fitzsimmons returning, as he's a solid pass catching backup at TE, and a nice compliment to the other backup, Heller. But there’s no word one way or the other as to Fitzsimmon's status for 2010.
As for the rest…does it really make any difference?
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