We won't know until this fall if hiring Jim Schwartz will pay off in wins for Detroit, but we already know it paid off in free agency on Friday.The Lions signed offensive tackle Daniel Loper to what was reportedly a one-year deal. Loper has been a backup for the Titans for four years, stuck behind David Stewart and Michael Roos. But while he couldn't start for the Titans, he should give Gosder Cherlius or Jeff Backus some competition, could slide into play guard if needed and, at worst, will be a very versatile backup. The Falcons had also been interested in signing Loper, but his familiarity with Schwartz helped convince him to choose an 0-16 team instead of a 2008 playoff team.
Loper had to be a little disappointed in how free agency turned out for him. He was considered by some to be a nice, inexpensive tackle prospect heading into free agency, but after a week, he had failed to find a team that would give him a clear shot at a starting tackle job. And instead of a long-term deal, he's ended up signing for one year, even though the lack of a new collective bargaining agreement may mean the Lions can keep him as a restricted free agent next year.
