Linehan Declares Lions' Quarterback Competition Wide Open for 2009

On the heels of our very own MDS reporting from Super Bowl week that the entire NFL is mock-drafting Matthew Stafford to the Lions comes word from Detroit that new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is already planning to use the entire preseason before naming a starting quarterback.

Linehan said he's talked to Daunte Culpepper, Jon Kitna and Drew Stanton, and he made it clear the Lions don't have a frontrunner for the starting job. Not yet. ... Linehan, who said he's still in the process of evaluating the quarterbacks, brought up the fact that Atlanta held an open quarterback competition in preseason before choosing Matt Ryan, who went on to be the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Just because Linehan mentioned Matty Ice doesn't necessarily mean that Detroit's going to draft a QB. On the other hand, when 1+1=All the quarterbacks currently on the roster stink, it's hard to ignore Linehan's assertion.

Also worth noting is that Linehan has not met with Dan Orlovsky -- he of the greatest safety in the history of the world. Dan O's about to be a free agent, and it sounds like he'll be taking his ... uh ... "talent" elsewhere. I've already let it be known that I think Kitna's the best one-year option of the Lions' returning QBs. Linehan being there, though, could change if he: a) Thinks he can revive Daunte Culpeper because his successful history with him; or b) Believes Drew Stanton is the future.

I can't envision any possibility that the latter is true. But the Culpeper point is one to remember, if not for the potential of Culpeper's resurgence, then for what it might mean for Stafford. The former Georgia QB is athletic with a strong arm and a sturdy frame -- characteristics similar to what Culpeper brings to the table.