The Lions were finally able to sign WR Mike Furrey to a new 3-year contract. Furrey, who had 98 receptions in 2006, appears to be taking an expanded role within the organization. Many believe that Furrey has already spoken with Rams free agent WR Kevin Curtis about reuniting in Detroit. Curtis would also be reunited with his former Rams Head Coach Mike Martz, should he decide to sign with the Lions. I believe strongly that Furrey exemplifies the type of character and work ethic that the Lions have desperately needed in recent years. The Lions clearly need a dependable second outside receiver and it remains to be seen whether the Lions will pursuit another slot receiver, an outside receiver like Curtis and move Furrey to the slot role, or look in-house and give "Big" Mike Williams one final shot to prove that he can live up to past expectations.
Now that Furrey is signed, the Lions need to work overtime in trying to re-sign DE/DT Cory Redding, who enjoyed a break out season in 2006 as a devastating inside pass rusher. The Lions may have to resort to placing the franchise tag upon Redding (ala Jeff Backus) and begin negotiating a new deal later. The Lions would be devastated by the loss of Redding, that is certain. Rod Marinelli has already expressed a similar sentiment, stating that Redding needs to realize how integral a component he has become to this franchise.
Besides re-signing Furrey and Redding, the Lions have a lot of work ahead of them this off season, if they expect the team to improve. Signing Furrey was one major step in the right direction, hopefully it will be followed by a few more.
