Lions Walk the Waiver Wire: Possible Free Agent Targets

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Help! I need somebody!

Help! Not just anybody!

Help! You know I need someone! HELP!

-The Beatles

The Detroit Lions have one thing going for them. Really, just one.

By virtue of their 0-16 season in 2008 they have the ability to grab anyone placed on waivers before anyone else. The only situation in which the Lions would miss out on a player would be if multiple waiver claims were placed and the Lions prioritized the player less than another team.

The waiver wire is not a panacea. It is not snake oil. It is not a Dr. Oz miracle cure.

The waiver wire, however, is a great tool for overhauling the bottom end of your roster. One man's trash and all that jazz.

The Lions are one of the most talent-bereft teams in the league. There is not a single position, outside of possibly quarterback and running back, that could not use more talent.

Detroit is bad enough to find multiple players on the waiver wire that could play heavy minutes this season, not even including a possible diamond in the rough.

Also, this is the week a lot of players are let go. After a team's first game, "vested veterans" no longer have their contract guaranteed and thus teams, freed from the salary cap implications, can let players go. And other teams, freed from possible salary cap implications, can pick players up.

So this is a perfect week to take a look at some players, currently sitting by their phones, that the Lions could take a stab at. Note that not all of these players are waiver claims, so some of them may have a choice to come to the Lions or not.

Wide Receiver

Hank Baskett (6'4", 220, 27 years old)—*Signed by the Indianapolis Colts*

Cut to give Michael Vick a roster spot, Baskett is a talented special teams coverage player that would help the Lions improve that spot. As a receiver, Baskett would be a reliable fourth target, especially on deeper routes.

Plus, having his wife in the stands couldn't hurt attendance. He's due a lot of money so teams may wait.

Who to Drop? Yamon Figurs

Matt Jones (6'6", 218, 26)

Off the field, Jones is a moron. On the field, Jones was just starting to realize his transition from college quarterback to NFL wide receiver. His 761 yards last season would have been second on the Lions.

I'm not advocating signing him. But I am advocating giving him an interview. Mayhew brought Shaun Smith in for much the same arrangement. Jones could help the Lions just as much.

Who to Drop? Yamon Figurs

Dane Looker (6'0", 194, 33)

Looker was a camp body for the Lions and is not any better than a fourth receiver on the current squad. He is sure-handed and helps in a variety of roles—special teams, returning and covering, as well as holding and being a personal protector for punts. I wouldn't cut any wide receiver to sign Looker, but I'd have him on speed dial.

Offensive Line

Levi Jones (6'5', 305, 30)

One year younger and much more talented than Jeff Backus, Jones has a long, long injury history that can't be ignored. Of all the depth the Lions have added on the offensive line this past offseason, they have still not added a player to adequately play left tackle.

The Lions could easily bring Jones in for an extended physical/workout. He could then compete with (hopefully) whatever rookie the Lions bring in later.

Who to drop? Ephraim Salaam

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