While other NFL teams focused on poaching competitors’ rosters during free agency, Lions GM Martin Mayehw’s goal was making sure that the key free agents on his roster remained in Detroit. He accomplished that goal by retaining 21 of 22 starters from 2011, and negotiating long-term deals with both LB Stephen Tulloch and WR Calvin Johnson.
While the bulk of Mayhew’s attention and resources were focused on keeping his own locker room intact, he wasn’t afraid to look elsewhere to add two veteran free agents who could prove to be key pieces of the Lions’ 2012 plans on both sides of the ball
FB James Bryant: After eschewing a traditional fullback during the 2011 season, Mayhew looked north of the border to sign Bryant, who played DE for the CFL’s B.C. Lions. Bryant’s performance in Detroit’s only padded practice was impressive. He used a combination of quickness and a massive (6-3, 257) frame to open huge holes in run drills. Both of Detroit’s current healthy first-team RBs, Kevin Smith and Stefan Logan, have running styles that could benefit from a player of Bryant’s stature clearing the way on interior run plays.
CB Jacob Lacey: When Detroit signed Lacey on March 21, the former Colts CB was expected to be given a chance to compete for the Nickel CB slot, but former CB Aaron Berry’s release following offseason legal troubles has opened the opportunity for Lacey to play a bigger role in 2012. Lacey has taken reps with the first team in drills, and is becoming more comfortable in Detroit’s defensive scheme with each workout. Lacey’s play has been somewhat streaky during the first week of camp, but he’s made enough good plays to stay in the conversation for the starting CB spot opposite Chris Houston.
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