2011年7月30日星期六

Nick Barnett Released, Climbs to Top of Detroit Lions’ Wish List

The Green Bay Packers released Nick Barnett on Friday, and the Lions are apparently wasting no time trying to take advantage. MLive’s Tom Kowalski reported that Detroit as “talking to” Barnett in hopes of signing the eight-year veteran.

Barnett was active on Twitter after his release became official, writing that “things are starting to move,” then later commenting that Lions and Chargers fans were putting the full-court press on him to sign with their respective teams.

For the Lions, the fit is obvious: Having already landed free agent outside linebacker Justin Durant from Jacksonville, Barnett could be the piece that fills out Detroit’s front seven. Barnett’s an inside linebacker, which would allow the Lions to move DeAndre Levy outside, opposite Durant.

Even though Barnett’s coming off a wrist injury that cost him the last 12 games on 2011, he’s been a reliable and steady force throughout his career. He’s played at least 15 games in six of his eight seasons, topping the 100-tackle mark each time.

Rumor earlier this week had it that Detroit’s main free-agent goal was to land Tennessee MLB Stephen Tulloch, who’d played under Jim Schwartz when Schwartz was the Titans’ defensive coordinator. But Tulloch, a Drew Rosenhaus client, may have priced himself out of the Lions’ range.

Barnett would be a strong backup option for the Lions, especially given his familiarity with the NFC North.

Detroit may also still be considering re-signing OLB Bobby Carpenter, who played surprisingly well late last year for the Lions. Even if Barnett comes on board, Carpenter could make a fine depth signing to add to Ashlee Palmer, who’s back on the outside.

For the time being, though, it appears as if Barnett’s moved to the top of Detroit’ list. The Lions have been fairly guarded and cautious about their free-agent pursuits so far, but Barnett would be a meaningful splash.

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