hagan714

Lions willing to part with Bly
Former Pro Bowl CB can seek trade
February 14, 2007

BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA

FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Lions president Matt Millen and coach Rod Marinelli have given cornerback Dre' Bly permission to seek a trade.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Matt and Rod allowing me the opportunity to find a home for Dre' Bly that is more conducive to his Pro Bowl skill set," Bly's agent, Kennard McGuire, said Tuesday.

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Lions spokesman Bill Keenist had no comment. Millen was unavailable for comment.

The Lions signed Bly as a free agent in 2003. In his first three seasons, he made two Pro Bowls and was a first alternate for another. He was elected a captain before the 2006 season, but he suffered a drop-off in performance. His three interceptions were his lowest total as a Lion.

Bly is a pure cover corner. He prefers lining up man-to-man. But after the Lions hired Marinelli last year, they installed the Tampa Two defense. Bly is now asked to play zone and stuff the run. He also has a high salary-cap figure for next season -- more than $5 million.

It appears the Lions will try to get something in return for Bly so they don't have to release him.

McGuire also represents defensive lineman Cory Redding, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent March 2.

Asked about Redding's status and the possibility the Lions will designate Redding as their franchise player, McGuire said: "I have had a discussion with Matt Millen and the front office, and the details of those talks we're going to keep between us. But as far as designating him, that has never been a tool throughout the league that has been universally accepted by players and agents and a vehicle that really creates harmony."

Marinelli has raved about Redding, who excelled after moving from end to tackle during the season, and has been recruiting him hard. But Redding did not seem enthusiastic about returning to the Lions at the end of the season, and the franchise tag has caused friction with players in the past.

Players want the freedom to explore their options after earning free-agent status, and the franchise tag essentially keeps them off the market. The team can match any offer the player receives, and if it chooses not to, it receives two first-round draft picks. It must offer a one-year deal for the average of the five highest salaries at the position or a 20% raise, whichever is greater.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...702140360/1049

While is not listed as top CB he is definitly a top 10 guy. I know he is up there in age but I would put him as a good safety net if he is cut and we do not want to put the money into a top FA. maybe a 2 to 3 year deal? That would give a drafted CB time to adjust to the NFL. Wonder what kind of trade value we could get? a 4th?

2007 4200000.00 + bounces = 5+ million
2006 3800000.00 zip - Marinelli's tampa 2 ???
2004 4000000.00 Alt. pro bowl
2005 4000000.00 Pro bowl
2003 2000000.00 Pro bowl

That could be a 3= million dollar saving.
Yes I am keeping an eye on Cory Redding

papz

I think we can get him for a 3rd rounder... maybe even a 4th. This is one more we definately need to pursue and hard. He's cheaper than Asante and Clements, though not as good, he's solid and a better option than Hood. Draft a corner in the 2nd or 3rd, let him develop behind Dre and Mike, and we'll look pretty good. Do it do it!

neugey

Go 4 it. Bly is a pretty decent lock-down corner.

pcolasaint

Would love to get him, but then again anything is better than fred (burnt toast) thomas