lions ink duckett

[swamp dog 0]

"DUCKETT TO DETROIT

 

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that running back T.J. Duckett has agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions.

 

Duckett will sign a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Lions.

 

The maneuver gives the Lions three starting-caliber tailbacks -- Duckett, Tatum Bell, and Kevin Jones. We've previously heard that Bell, who was acquired recently from the Broncos as part of the Dre' Bly trade, is a candidate to be traded again.

 

Duckett did the deal with Detroit after visiting the Seahawks."

 

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

 

[VaTerp 0]

this off-season just keeps getting more and more interesting

[Groundhog 24]

that makes sense.

since he sux and all.

[swamp dog 0]

that makes sense.

since he sux and all.

 

meh...he's a bargain and there's no long-term commitment. at the very least he's a good depth guy and short-yardage guy. can't hurt.

[coryjagfan28 0]

that makes sense.

since he sux and all.

 

 

Not anymore than bryson or Pinner. and he has shown in the past he has the ability to get into the endzone. So, like swamp said, if nothing else, let him fall in from the one yd line, the 2 to 3 times the lions get down there this yr. for 1.5 mill, its a decent gamble.

[9-Route 0]

well, his previous 3 seasons in atlanta (before last yr in limied time in wash), he posted 422 carries with 27 TDs, a 15.6 carries/TD clip, which is very good, despite the fact he is a goalline runner.

 

[for prospective, the top guys like LT and SA avg 19 carries/TD for the 5-6 seasons excluding their rookie yrs; rudi, over his past 4 seasons, avgs 28 carries/TD]

 

i think duckett could definitely hit 8-10+tds again with the martz offense in yr2.

[Melissa Stark 1]

The maneuver gives the Lions three starting-caliber tailbacks -- Duckett, Tatum Bell

 

Fixored

 

Shows how much faith they have in Jones returning

[football_scooter 0]

I think Duckett is a great pickup regardless of the team.

 

He was a beast in limited action, and when carrying the load has performed well. If something were to happen to Bell, Duckett would definately be worth owning, and until Bell gets hurt he's a poor man's Brandon Jacobs.

 

I was kind of hoping the Niners would grab him since Gore's been ineffective in short yardage and Robinson isn't stepping it up in that role.

[harken34 0]

Great move Millen. This will save your job

[swamp dog 0]

Great move Millen. This will save your job

 

marinelli wanted him and that's why duckett's there. aside from that...you don't like the signing? explain what part of it is bad

 

one of the painful things for lion fans (among many ) has been the ineptness of their short-yardage/goal-line running game in recent years. i can't tell you how many 3-and-1s and how many 1st-and-goals i've watched implode because of this. duckett has 33 career tds in his few short years in the league and will be asset in this part of the game for the lions. and in today's market, you can't hardly beat the price.

 

hell, i wouldn't mind seeing them get another rb in the draft. their ENTIRE rb unit ended up on IR last season and ALL of them are coming off SERIOUS injuries.

 

the lions are the lions, and i've never made any excuses about injuries impacting their won-loss records...but their IR list by the end of last season was simply funny it was so pathetic.

 

 

*edit: yup, the lions aren't done signing rbs. the freep says they still have an interest in chris brown and brown's agent says brown still has an interest in the lions: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...390/1048/SPORTS

[famousb 11]

I was kind of hoping the Niners would grab him since Gore's been ineffective in short yardage and Robinson isn't stepping it up in that role.

 

i wouldn't give up on Robinson yet, the kid has some serious athletic skills... remember, he played QB at PSU, and to change to RB in the NFL has to be somewhat of a challenge, let alone being put in as the short yardage guy cause Gore had fumblitis...

 

 

as for Duckett, i think its a good signing - especially since he can play more of the FB role to take Schles' place...

[Walter34 3]

I actually like the move. Short yardage and blocking are among the prime weaknesses on the Lions and this addresses that, if only for 1 year.

 

It also makes the Lions a mess from an FF / RB perspective. An injured KJ, Bell who has never been a reliable week to week player and Duckett as a potential Crocket type - 3 carries, 2 yards and 2 TDs player. This doesnt even mention Calhoun or whoever else they bring in. All det RBs plummett to 35+ on my RB list for next year.

 

From a football perspective, its a good short term move, but signing him for 1 year seems silly and shortsighted. They should have signed him for 3 at the bargain price. It will be either a waste or they will need to overpay him / have the same hole next season.

[famousb 11]

From a football perspective, its a good short term move, but signing him for 1 year seems silly and shortsighted. They should have signed him for 3 at the bargain price. It will be either a waste or they will need to overpay him / have the same hole next season.

 

maybe they plan on giving KJ a bionic foot while they let him rest this season, that way he can come back next season bigger, stronger, faster...

[swamp dog 0]

I actually like the move. Short yardage and blocking are among the prime weaknesses on the Lions and this addresses that, if only for 1 year.

 

It also makes the Lions a mess from an FF / RB perspective. An injured KJ, Bell who has never been a reliable week to week player and Duckett as a potential Crocket type - 3 carries, 2 yards and 2 TDs player. This doesnt even mention Calhoun or whoever else they bring in. All det RBs plummett to 35+ on my RB list for next year.

 

From a football perspective, its a good short term move, but signing him for 1 year seems silly and shortsighted. They should have signed him for 3 at the bargain price. It will be either a waste or they will need to overpay him / have the same hole next season.

 

the rumor is calhoun will be put on IR again this year. and the short-term tryout of duckett is a good move; if the lions locked him up long-term people would laughed about that. it's pretty much damned if you do, damned if you don't with them.

 

and any praise is always tied into a caveat, something like this where, in the end, they focked up anyway.

[Walter34 3]

the rumor is calhoun will be put on IR again this year. and the short-term tryout of duckett is a good move; if the lions locked him up long-term people would laughed about that. it's pretty much damned if you do, damned if you don't with them.

 

and any praise is always tied into a caveat, something like this where, in the end, they focked up anyway.

 

touche - when was the last un-caveated praise you made of the Bears?

 

I told you before the signing last week that I supported a Ducket signing.

 

Re. Calhoun - that is too bad. I drafted him last year in a deep dynasty league. Looks like he is waiver material, but I already made my cuts for next year.

[Riddlen 1]

i'm down. 1.5yr is cheap. if it wors great, if it doesnt no loss. I hope millen doesnt get credit for the sudden change if there is one.

[swamp dog 0]

i'm down. 1.5yr is cheap. if it wors great, if it doesnt no loss. I hope millen doesnt get credit for the sudden change if there is one.

 

if that happens, marinelli will get the credit. but frankly, i could care less who does should it happen.

 

 

touche - when was the last un-caveated praise you made of the Bears?

 

I told you before the signing last week that I supported a Ducket signing.

 

Re. Calhoun - that is too bad. I drafted him last year in a deep dynasty league. Looks like he is waiver material, but I already made my cuts for next year.

 

their handling of the briggs situation.

[Mack 1 6]

I don't have a problem with this signing per se, but damn, what about that defense, specifically the secondary? Their only free agent "splash" was overpaying for a back-up DE and getting rid of their second best defensive player.

 

Meanwhile, the secondary includes their "#1 CB" Fernando "Brittle" Bryant, a couple of unspectacular nickel backs whose names I can't even remember, and SS Bullocks, who's going into his second season.

 

Why they haven't concentrated on upgrading that secondary baffles me, but what else is new?

[Chronic Husker 85]

I heard on Denver radio that the Lions are getting offers for Tatum. Maybe this signing is a precursor to them moving him.

[swamp dog 0]

I heard on Denver radio that the Lions are getting offers for Tatum. Maybe this signing is a precursor to them moving him.

 

if they traded bell they'd have only one healthy rb on their roster--duckett. i think these rumors are being started by media people (and fans) who really don't understand that the entire lions rb corps from last year is currently on ir.

[Riddlen 1]

if they traded bell they'd have only one healthy rb on their roster--duckett. i think these rumors are being started by media people (and fans) who really don't understand that the entire lions rb corps from last year is currently on ir.

I am pretty sure Bryson will be back. If duckett is fine and KJ is SUPPOSED to be back by the season, then they are all set. I think they resigned cason or harris too. I would be fine with trading Tater. I actually think Bryson is a serviceable back up.

[Chronic Husker 85]

if they traded bell they'd have only one healthy rb on their roster--duckett. i think these rumors are being started by media people (and fans) who really don't understand that the entire lions rb corps from last year is currently on ir.

What I heard is that they're getting offers from several teams (I think Buffalo and Indy were among the group).

 

Doesn't mean the Lions will do it, but having KJ, Bell, Duckett, Bryson, and Calhoun (who really hasn't even had a shot yet) would be a pretty full house.

[swamp dog 0]

What I heard is that they're getting offers from several teams (I think Buffalo and Indy were among the group).

 

Doesn't mean the Lions will do it, but having KJ, Bell, Duckett, Bryson, and Calhoun (who really hasn't even had a shot yet) would be a pretty full house.

 

tom k at mlive.com says the lions aren't trying to trade bell, but if they get a ridiculous offer they'll of course listen...which they probably won't...so...

 

calhoun is rumored to be going on ir again this year; bryson's status is iffy (serious injury); kj's status is iffy. in a perfect world, that's a full house of rbs. but in reality 3 of those 5 were on ir at the end of the season--and by the end of november the lions were starting the likes of cason.

[MDC 7,453]

Can't say how well Duckett will fit the Lions' offense, since they have no identity other than turning the ball over and passing too much, probably because they trail in almost every game. But I like Duckett as a short-yardage back and the deal is very reasonable. I'd have been happy to see him replace Buckhalter in Philadelphia - they need a bruiser.

[Timinator 0]

At least Millen has moved off the WR bandwagon!

[CarlSpackler 0]

At this point there are more RBs than they can use, someone's probably going somewhere. Apparently there are rumors floating around about them being interested in drafting Quinn at #2. I don't think they will, but they're probably trying to drum up interest in the #2 to move down, but this is after Martz said they were NOT looking at QB in the draft. The front office is so disfunctional it's hard to believe.

[Twinsdad 55]

as for Duckett, i think its a good signing - especially since he can play more of the FB role to take Schles' place...

 

This was my thoughts too. I alwas liked Schlessinger. It always help the tailback if there is a fullback to take on the first block......with the lions, most of the times that is in the backfield.

[yostevo 0]

Nice upgrade at a very economical price tag. If the rumors of Bell being waived around in trade are true, it could be indicating that the Lions are interested in Adrian Peterson at #2 and are trying to score an extra 1st day pick in the draft by dealing Bell.

[bigtuna 0]

This signing says 3 things to me:

 

1. They are not sure he can even make the team (which is good b/c he sucks), the contract is the type you give to a "fringe" roster player.

 

2. he is not a great blocker, so he is not going to be in any real way a Fullback.

 

3. it seems like insurance for KJ. If he can't make it back, TJ will compete to be Tatum Bell's backup.

[jdswan922 0]

I don't have a problem with this signing per se, but damn, what about that defense, specifically the secondary? Their only free agent "splash" was overpaying for a back-up DE and getting rid of their second best defensive player.

 

Meanwhile, the secondary includes their "#1 CB" Fernando "Brittle" Bryant, a couple of unspectacular nickel backs whose names I can't even remember, and SS Bullocks, who's going into his second season.

 

Why they haven't concentrated on upgrading that secondary baffles me, but what else is new?

As much as it pains me to say it, I think the Lions are having a pretty good off season so far. I think DeWayne White was actually a very good signing. Duckett is a nice pick up. They got a good deal for a disgruntled player, which gives them some lee-way in the draft. Is Curtis still waiting for his new agent or did he sign somewhere? If they can pick him up, then I think they have had a good off-season. Are they still planning on cleaning house? They do need to address the defensive side of the ball, but that could probably be done in the draft.

[bigmarc27 24]

Why do some of you mention Duckett as a blocker? He doesn't block well at all; he's a big RB, not a FB. His problem since his 3rd year in the league was that he doesn't run like a big RB. He used to be a good short yardage guy, but he started dancing in year 3 and hasn't stop dancing through the hole yet.

[Mack 1 6]

I think the Lions are having a pretty good off season so far.

I'm not quite sure a team can improve itself if it gets rid of its second best defensive player and doesn't replace him.

 

I think DeWayne White was actually a very good signing.

Perhaps, but giving almost $30 million to a back-up player is a risk. We'll see.

 

They do need to address the defensive side of the ball, but that could probably be done in the draft.

I have zero faith in a Millen-led draft succeeding in the draft. Sorry.

[SmartassBoiler 0]

Bell/Duckett should be serviceable while KJ is out.

 

Signing Duckett along with trading for Bell makes for a nice complementary tandem, although this seems to indicated KJ might be out a while.

[swamp dog 0]

I'm not quite sure a team can improve itself if it gets rid of its second best defensive player and doesn't replace him.

Perhaps, but giving almost $30 million to a back-up player is a risk. We'll see.

I have zero faith in a Millen-led draft succeeding in the draft. Sorry.

 

second-best probably two years ago in mooch's system; a huge liability last year when he played like complete shiat in marinelli's system. i do understand the lions have a need at cb now, but i'm not sure why everyone keeps wanting to jump off a bridge about bly leaving. the lions were near the bottom of the league in pass defense last year and opponents passed on them--and bly--at will. if bly is complete misfit for rod's system, why keep him? come on! we're talking about a team that won 3 games and had a defense ranked near the bottom last year. really, just who isn't "replaceable"? how worse can it possibly get? it can't.

 

and this team won 3 games last year. there's a lot of holes to fill, and, no, not all of them are filled yet. of course not.

 

rod is doing what he has to do. it's not going to happen overnight. there's nothing wrong with saying that *and* acknowledging that despite all of that they've had a pretty solid offseason so far.

 

millen has made his share of gaffes drafting, but he isn't batting a 1.000 in the futility department. last year's draft was solid--which, i think, can be contributed to rod's influence and millen getting him what he wants. there's indications that rod's calling the shots here this year as well.

 

let's wait and see what happens before jumping off the cliff again this year. come september, it may be another year of being laughingstocks. but let's see what this offseason brings.

[Lavard 0]

I'm not quite sure a team can improve itself if it gets rid of its second best defensive player and doesn't replace him.

 

 

Who says he is the second best player - I would place him behind Rogers and Redding for sure as well as prolly Ernie AND he doesn't fit the system - one must be able to tackle in Tampa 2 - and he is not very good at that.

 

addition by subtraction in my opinion.

[famousb 11]

At this point there are more RBs than they can use, someone's probably going somewhere. Apparently there are rumors floating around about them being interested in drafting Quinn at #2. I don't think they will, but they're probably trying to drum up interest in the #2 to move down, but this is after Martz said they were NOT looking at QB in the draft. The front office is so disfunctional it's hard to believe.

 

This is what I think the Lions should do (it's only a half-arse, 8:30 on Sunday morning thought...)...

 

They should trade Tinker and their #2 overall to WAS for Portis, their 1st and prolly 2nd... now why WAS would want to trade up, i don't know. But they could make Betts the #1 clearly then, and that would leave Tinker to be the #2/ change of pace back...

DET would then have a solid #1 to play while KJ is out, and they could deal w/ the situation of two #1s when it arises...

 

and yes, i know the cap situation probably wouldn't work out... but like i said, it's an early Sunday morning, i'm too hungover to really think, thought...

[Datathief 0]

Cheap one year contract. Duckett must be signing there because he sees it as the best opportunity for playing time. Bargain for the Lions.

 

Duckett is best at what Bell is worst at... pounding the ball up the middle against a stacked D. Neither has been an every down back. Neither has shown great all around skills. They are each great at two different types of running. This is an RBBC combo that makes sense. Bryson is a proven 3rd down receiving back who could even make this a 3 player committee or Jones could play a role. I dont see Duckett as a threat to Bell.

 

I have serious doubts that Jones will ever recover enough to be a featured NFL back again. It certainly isnt likely to happen this season. Dont be suprprised if he spends 2007 on IR.

 

If Bell is traded again, it would indicate to me that either they like how Jones is recovering or that they are looking at a rookie. While I liked Calhoun as a prospect, they certainly arent going to count on him now.

[Tusekan Raiders 0]

So Millen moved from drafting 1st round WRs to acquiring 1st round RBs? It's not a bad signing in a vaccum, but what is the plan? Unless Kevin Jones is not playing in 2007, you've got three guys who all think they are feature backs, despite two proving they aren't. Duckett kept his mouth shut in Washington as far as I saw, but the guy probably signed with Detroit thinking he has a shot again.

 

They are laying the ground work for a divisive force in a locker room where the plan was supposedly Marinelli wanted to clean out those types.

[swamp dog 0]

So Millen moved from drafting 1st round WRs to acquiring 1st round RBs? It's not a bad signing in a vaccum, but what is the plan? Unless Kevin Jones is not playing in 2007, you've got three guys who all think they are feature backs, despite two proving they aren't. Duckett kept his mouth shut in Washington as far as I saw, but the guy probably signed with Detroit thinking he has a shot again.

 

They are laying the ground work for a divisive force in a locker room where the plan was supposedly Marinelli wanted to clean out those types.

 

the lions were starting cason at rb by thanksgiving last year--but it was all good because there wasn't any lockerroom strife among the rbs

 

god forbid we risk that. better not bring in any good players

 

what happens if kj is completely healthy by the opener and the lions still have bell and they have duckett?...my, my, my. poor rod!

 

i have a sneaky hunch rod would LOVE to deal with that "problem"--both on the field and in the lockerroom. just a wild hunch

[donhaas 18]

the lions were starting cason at rb by thanksgiving last year--but it was all good because there wasn't any lockerroom strife among the rbs

 

god forbid we risk that. better not bring in any good players

 

what happens if kj is completely healthy by the opener and the lions still have bell and they have duckett?...my, my, my. poor rod!

 

i have a sneaky hunch rod would LOVE to deal with that "problem"--both on the field and in the lockerroom. just a wild hunch

 

 

This is great if your team has no other holes to fill. I'm suspecting -- U.P. homer goggles aside -- that a team that's been 22-178 over the last seven years might have more ways to spend their money and roster space.

 

Crazy talk

 

Don't forget they wasted a high pick on Calhoun, too.