Detroit Lions Rumors: Smokescreens or Substance?

With the NFL Draft less than three weeks away, Detroit has been involved in a lot of talk about trades and free agent acquisitions.

Whether it be trading various draft picks for veterans, or signing free agents, the rumors are still buzzing after a busy March.

Some talk that has crept up recently is the Baltimore Ravens' desire to trade offensive tackle Jared Gaither.

After rookie Michael Oher's stellar rookie season, and with the team's confidence in Marshal Yanda, he became dispensable. 

Baltimore gave Gaither a first-round tender, but had no takers. As of now, a second round pick may be enough to pry him loose.

With Jeff Backus turning 33 in September, Detroit will soon have to find his replacement. At only 24 years old, Gaither could be the answer.

Another restricted free agent who drawn the Lions' interest is Anthony Hargrove, a defensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints.

He has a third-round tender, and visited Detroit several weeks ago. Hargrove would help the Lions' revamped defensive line, playing tackle and end due to his versatility. 

Another offensive lineman Detroit could be targeting is Seattle guard Rob Sims. As a restricted free agent, he was set at a fourth-round tender.

Guard may be Detroit's greatest weakness as of now, and a solid player at that position could help the entire offense function better.

One unrestricted free agent the Lions have shown interest in is Pacman Jones. As a corner who is familiar with head coach Jim Schwartz's system, Jones could immediately step in and contribute in the weak secondary.

As an added bonus, he has proven himself to be a solid returner, which is another area the Lions are lacking talent at.

This offseason, the Lions seem intent on adding talent to the team. Whether general manager Martin Mayhew has a genuine interest in adding some of these players, or they are just smoke screens to conceal his plans in the draft remains to be seen.