Answering e-mail: Is trading Rogers just a ruse?
PJP1977: Could this whole Shaun Rogers being traded business simply be Millen trying to light a fire unfer the guy again like he did after Rogers' second year?
Tom Kowalski: Good question. That ploy worked back then. I remember Rogers blowing it off publicly, saying he didn't care and he'd go play for anybody. But it really did jar him into reality -- unfortunately, it didn't jar him enough. Having said that, the situation is a lot different now. I'm sure the Lions are hoping the trade threat will work again, but the greater threat might be the fact they're going to keep him and probably give him a target weight and then fine the bejabbers out of him in training camp (see: Mike Williams). The other difference is that the Lions really weren't interested in trading Rogers back then, but they'll jump at a good offer this time around.
Jeff: It seems the most likely candidates to be traded are Roy Williams and Shaun Rogers. But what are the chances that guys like Furrey or Shaun MacDonald are sent to San Francisco in exchange for something? Seems like Martz would want one of those guys at receiver to help teach the other receivers and because the niners suck at receiver.
Tom Kowalski: Another good question. I think a lot of it depends on what happens to Roy Williams but, since I think the odds are a lot lower that he'll be dealt, it raises the possibility that one of the other two could go. The best candidate would probably be McDonald because he only has one year left on his contract (Furrey has three years left). If you deal Furrey, you run the possibility of losing both McDonald and Williams to free agency next year and then you're left with no one to play opposite Calvin Johnson.
Erik: I understand the Lions don't want to go through a lot of change in the offensive line with Colletto being promoted to O.C. What I don't understand though is how Raiola and Backus are still employed with the Lions. Backus hasn't been good since maybe his rookie season, what he's supposed to excel at is blocking the speed rushers which I haven't seen him do in the past 3 years effectively. Raiola on the other hand may be a leader in the locker room but he doesn't manage to be a positive on the field, it's like we're playing with 10 on the field, sometimes against 12 with him out there. Almost every screen pass he flat out wiffs on whoever his responsibility is. On run blocking he never seals the middle linebacker. Honestly I would like to see big Wood playing Center and Raiola on maybe the Vikes, Bears, or Pack for a second rounder.
Tom Kowalski: You're not the only person who has huge concerns about the offensive line but I'm telling you that the Lions feel very good about that unit. And it's not just Jim Colletto -- Marinelli feels the same way. They believe that what they're going to ask them to do, they're well-equipped to accomplish it. I know, I know -- very few other people agree with that assessment, but the point is this -- the Lions aren't going to make a lot of changes. They need a right tackle and then Stephen Peterman and Frank Davis will compete for the right guard spot but the rest of it is set.
Ken: Is bishopdon,on m-live,really involved in the Lions locker room??
Tom Kowalski: Since Bishopdon doesn't have the rocks to come out and reveal who he is and stand behind the things he says, I won't do it for him. However, I will say that he does have some access to the players and coaches and does -- on a rare occasion or two -- stumble across a nugget of information. Sometimes it's even true.
Mike: Any word on the arbitration ruling regarding Charles Rogers? Is it related to the Terrell Owens situation at all?
Tom Kowalski: No, the two cases are independent and there's still no word on the ruling for Rogers. The Lions are trying to recover $10.1 million in bonus money because they believe Rogers breached his contract but, again, no decision has been made. When that could happen is anybody's guess -- it could be today or three months from now.
Craig: How far is Buster Davis from becoming a contributing member of the LB corp? Do the Lions believe he has started potential or just a role player? And what, if any, influence is Ernie Sims having on him, since they both played college ball together?
Tom Kowalski: I don't know what relationship there is -- if any -- between Sims and Davis. The Lions are going to take a hard look at Davis in camp because they think, despite his lack of height, that he has the power and instincts to be effective. The Lions still plan on acquiring another starting linebacker for the middle or strong side (with Paris Lenon playing the other spot).
Richard: I read on a website Draft king.com that the Lions might try and land connerback Assante Samuel. Any validity to the report?
Tom Kowalski: Again, according to what I'm hearing right now, the Lions are not going to make a huge splash in free agency on a high-dollar player. They'll be active and get some second-tier players, especially at right tackle and cornerback, but they're not going after any of the headliners. Stay tuned.
Matt: Do you think Early Doucet will fall to the Lions or will they have to settle for Mario Manningham?
Tom Kowalski: This is why I love you guys.
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