Phillip Buchanon Joins the Lions

Baby steps, kids, baby steps. Detroit finished 0-16 last season, so it's not like new head coach Jim Schwartz can wave a magic wand and fix what ails the franchise. As Ryan Wilson pointed out, it's not like the Lions have done anything sensational this offseason -- but they are quietly improving.

How much? Well, enough that I can say this and not feel like a complete idiot: Detroit's secondary might be decent in 2009. Detroit already added Anthony Henry and nickel-guy Eric King this offseason, and now the Tampa Tribune reports that former Buccaneer Phillip Buchanon has agreed to terms with the Lions.

Buchanon told the Tribune the Bucs also offered a two-year deal but that he would likely have returned to the team as a third cornerback, not necessarily a starter.

"Detroit can go nowhere but up from here," Buchanon said. "The big issue for me was playing time, and I'm going to get a lot of playing time in Detroit.

"I really appreciate everything they did for me. Unfortunately, things didn't happen the way I wanted it to happen."

Buchanon probably won't have to worry about being Detroit's third cornerback -- without jumping to conclusions, Buchanon and Henry look like the favorites to start for the Lions.

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The 28-year-old Buchanon started all 16 games for Tampa last season, picking off two passes, and has 18 interceptions in seven seasons. He's never been able to match the success he had in 2003 with Oakland, when he nabbed six passes and scored two touchdowns. Still, when you're looking at the Lions pure lack of talent in 2008, it's hard to be disappointed when Detroit brings in someone that clearly has ability.

Has Buchanon always lived up to his potential? No, but he's still a marked upgrade in the Lions' defensive backfield and, combined with Henry, gives Detroit a nice 1-2 punch on the corner.