Lions Trade Rumors

"What are the chances off the Cowboys getting Roy Williams, Chad Johnson or Anquan Boldin in a trade?"

"It makes no sense that Roy Williams is still a Lion. Even though he’s arguably their most productive player, his greatest value to a team that’s rebuilding once again is moving him to accrue at minimum another first round draft choice Saturday essential for establishing a true championship infrastructure along the interior line."

"The Redskins have tried to trade their first-round pick, the 21st overall, for a top wide receiver, hoping to package the pick in a deal for Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals or another proven player at the position. Despite being rebuffed in their attempts to acquire Johnson and the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin, Snyder and Cerrato are determined to provide another high-profile target for Campbell and still might try to trade for Roy Williams of the Detroit Lions, according to league sources."

"Washington was rebuffed in attempts to trade for Arizona's Anquan Boldin and still might try to acquire Roy Williams of Detroit, according to league sources."

" The three names most linked of late to such talk have been Cincinnati's Chad Johnson, Detroit's Roy Williams and Arizona's Anquan Boldin. Adding intrigue is the fact that the three teams most mentioned as trade partners – the Cowboys, Eagles and Redskins – all play in the same division."

"The Dallas Cowboys have talked to a team, not the Cincinnati Bengals, about acquiring a veteran receiver. And that's about all Jerry Jones would say Tuesday, offering nothing more specific... The top veteran receiver candidates who might be available via trade remain the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin and the Detroit Lions' Roy Williams."

"Will the Lions trade wide receiver Roy Williams? Will they try to move up to take Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan? Will they move back from No. 15? Will they maneuver later?"

"Eagles radio analyst Mike Quick seemed taken aback yesterday by how quickly word spread among fans and reporters after he told former teammate Garry Cobb, on Cobb's blog, that he thinks the Eagles will make a major deal for a wideout this week, possibly for Detroit's Roy Williams."

"Asked if he would consider making a draft-day trade for a veteran receiver such as Cincinnati's Chad Johnson, Arizona's Anquan Boldin or Detroit's Roy Williams, Jerry Jones told reporters in Dallas, “Yes,” before punctuating his remark with a smile and a wink. The Cowboys own the 22nd and 28th picks in the April 26-27 draft."

"Q: Jerry's still talking about a mega trade. I thought a little about how far up they've have to go to get Rashard Mendenhall. What about trading the 22nd and 28th pick for WR Roy Williams and Detroit's 15th pick, then they could take Mendenhall AND get Roy Williams!"

"Detroit Lions receiver Roy Williams has heard all the talk and rumors about a possible draft-day trade to the Dallas Cowboys and said he is prepared for whatever happens. The former Longhorns star -- who was in Austin over the weekend for the Texas Relays and the Michael Huff celebrity basketball game -- wants to stay in Detroit."

"Receiver Roy Williams once again has reiterated he wants to stay a Detroit Lion, but is unsure if the team will pay him. Speaking at his alma mater Texas to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram over the weekend, Williams said, "Of course I want to stay in Detroit. Everybody wants to stay with the team that drafted them. They are telling me I am going to be a Lion for at least one more season. That’s what I have on my mind.""

"Hamlin's agent, Kennard McGuire, met with Cowboys officials Tuesday during the lunch break at the NFL owners meetings. A long-term deal could be nearing completion... Disgruntled Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson isn't likely to be the receiver the Cowboys add, even though he has stated a desire to play in Dallas... The Cowboys could make a play for Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin or Detroit Lions receiver Roy Williams."

"The Lions would like to upgrade middle linebacker. But after not acquiring a veteran -- trying to trade for Jonathan Vilma, looking at free agents Al Wilson and Dan Morgan -- they're down to the draft. And it would be tough for a rookie to come in and quarterback the Tampa Two defense."

"Roy Williams has been hearing mixed messages about his future with the Lions. There is speculation that he is on the trading block, but coach Rod Marinelli has told him -- and the media -- that the Lions won't deal him."

"As rumors swirled that the Lions might trade wide receiver Roy Williams, coach Rod Marinelli called Williams and told him not to believe them. Marinelli told Williams he was going to stay in Detroit and have the best year of his career."

"The Lions are looking for linebackers, though they are close to the salary cap and there aren't many on the market. They hosted free agent Gilbert Gardner last week. "

"The Lions are not interested in trading for suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones. Jones' agent, Manubir Arora, told ESPN on Friday it's his understanding that Dallas, New England and Detroit are interested. The Lions have been linked to Jones before in the media. This is the first time someone has gone on the record about it."

"The Lions are not making a bid for Adam "Pacman" Jones , the troubled Titans cornerback who currently is under suspension by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy."

"Lions coach Rod Marinelli reiterated that the Lions were not trading wide receiver Roy Williams, waving his hands, asking a reporter to look into his eyes."

"ESPN’s Chris Mortensen speculated that the Bills might try to ship Evans to Detroit for Williams. The one giant hurdle in that scenario is the Bills would have to pay Williams something like $9 million a year and $25 million guaranteed. It’s hard to see them shelling out that much for Williams. (Another problem is how much more would the Bills have to throw into the trade along with Evans? Just adding J.P. Los-man to the deal may not be enough.)"

"After signing cornerback Jacques Reeves, linebacker Kevin Bentley, running back Chris Brown and linebacker Chaun Thompson, the Texans still are interested in Denver center Chris Myers and Detroit defensive end Corey Smith."

"Roy Williams, who burned the Eagles for nine receptions totaling 204 yards and a touchdown Sept. 23 for the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field, is one...As long as the Eagles did not burn any bridges in Arizona, a re turn phone call with an offer for its other Pro Bowl wide receiver, An quan Boldin, is in order."

"So, again, Larry Fitzgerald, officially not coming. Now what? Detroit has said Roy Williams isn't coming, either. And unlike the Cards, who had a reason to want to trade Fitzgerald, the Lions have no strong reason to want to trade Williams. "

"The Lions failed to land free agent Julius Jones, who signed with Seattle. After not using Bell the last 11 games last year, they must keep recruiting him by saying things will be different without Martz. They must look at guys such as Chris Brown and Michael Pittman."

"Any trade talks involving Lions receiver Roy Williams are one way. The Lions are on the listening end, not making the calls. Williams is not being shopped in any trade talks, Lions president Matt Millen said Friday. "

"Twice this week, a writer from another NFL city has called me to ask if the Lions have Roy Williams on the block. And now, I hear chatter on sports talk radio about the possibility of Williams being traded."

"Running back Julius Jones was one of four free agents the Lions hosted Tuesday. The others were defensive tackle Chuck Darby, linebacker Dan Morgan and offensive lineman Corey Hulsey."

"Detroit linebacker Boss Bailey, younger brother of Denver star cornerback Champ Bailey, will visit the Broncos today and Thursday."

"There will be a "no vacancy" sign on Champ Bailey's guest room when his kid brother visits Denver today."

"Cowboys free agent running back Julius Jones visited the Detroit Lions on Tuesday. Jones is regarded as the top unrestricted free agent back available after Michael Turner signed with Atlanta. Lions starting back Kevin Jones had knee surgery Jan. 3."

"The Lions have talked to several corners, including Drayton Florence and Randall Gay, who are already off the market. They are expected to pursue Brian Kelly, whom Barry, coach Rod Marinelli and secondary coach Jimmy Lake know from Tampa Bay."

"Cowboys running back Julius Jones and oft-injured Panthers middle linebacker Dan Morgan were scheduled to be at the Lions facility late Monday. Seahawks defensive linemen Chuck Darby and Ellis Wyms are expected in this week."

"The Green Bay Packers have made initial contact with Detroit Lions free-agent linebacker Boss Bailey, but they don't have a visit scheduled and aren't in a big hurry to address their linebacker position."

"The Green Bay Packers have made initial contact with Detroit Lions free-agent linebacker Boss Bailey but they don't have a visit scheduled and aren't in a big hurry to address their linebacker position.... An NFL source confirmed reports that wide receiver Randy Moss was shopping himself around the league because he's not happy with the contract offer from the New England Patriots."

"The Lions have scheduled a visit with Seattle defensive tackle Chuck Darby for Tuesday and also are talking with Seattle defensive tackle Ellis Wyms about a visit. Both played under Marinelli in Tampa Bay."

"Shaun Rogers' career as a Lion headed to a bizarre ending, with roller-coaster trade proposals Friday that spanned from one corner of Ohio to the other. A deal that would have sent Rogers to the Bengals fell through, prompting the Lions to turn to the Browns as a trade partner for the 370-pound nose tackle. The Lions and Browns centered their talks on a deal late Friday that would give the Lions cornerback Leigh Bodden and a third-round pick in the April draft."

"The Lions appear interested in Michael Turner, considered the top running back in free agency, although it was unclear Friday whether they would have a real shot at signing him. Turner was visiting Atlanta."

"Yahoo! Sports reported the Lions were interested in cornerback Randall Gay. The Boston Globe reported Gay visited the Saints on Friday and is scheduled to meet the Buccaneers on Monday."

"Unlike some teams, the Packers don't disclose the players in whom they have interest or intend to bring in for official visits, so it's hard to know exactly how active they were Friday. But two of the players they contacted on the first day were St. Louis strong-side linebacker Brandon Chillar and Detroit defensive end Corey Smith."

"The Broncos are stressing a patient approach to outside free agents. Their top target may be linebacker Boss Bailey, late of the Lions and brother of Denver cornerback Champ Bailey. He’ll be in town soon. ... Defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban visited Oakland."

"The Denver Post reported the Broncos may be close to trading cornerback Domonique Foxworth to the Lions. The paper said another possibility was a three-way trade involving the Jets, with Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson going to Denver and Rogers going to New York."

"The Jaguars became a possible landing spot when they announced they will let defensive tackle Marcus Stroud seek a trade. With Stroud potentially moving on, the Jaguars have begun talking to the Lions about Rogers, according to reports in Jacksonville. The Jets and Broncos already were involved in the Rogers' sweepstakes, with Denver seemingly having the greatest interest."

"Instead, almost ironically, Parcells' first major addition draws considerable similarities to Cox. The Dolphins reportedly are in trade talks with the Detroit Lions about acquiring defensive tackle Shaun Rogers."

"The Lions are trying to shore up perhaps their biggest weakness -- the secondary. They already have signed safety Dwight Smith and re-signed cornerback Keith Smith to two-year deals. They have been trying to re-sign Travis Fisher. And they are expected to look at cornerbacks Brian Kelly and Drayton Florence now that the free-agent market has opened today."

"The Lions continue trying to re-sign running back T.J. Duckett. "We're having some conversations, and we're taking it one day at a time with the Lions," Duckett's agent, Joel Segal, said Thursday."

"Some free agents did interest the Redskins, including wide receiver D.J. Hackett (Seattle) and cornerback Drayton Florence (San Diego), but only at value-based deals. Detroit was making a heavy immediate push for Florence, while Hackett was drawing interest from several clubs and lining up visits."

"One player the Lions will target in free agency is a former teammate of Smith's in Tampa -- cornerback Brian Kelly. Smith wasn't the only player to visit the Lions on Wednesday. Right tackle L.J. Shelton, who was released by the Miami Dolphins, and middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who has permission by the New York Jets to seek a trade, almost met with Detroit officials. "

"The Lions signed free-agent safety Dwight Smith on Wednesday, while exploring a trade for New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma and hosting free-agent offensive tackle L.J. Shelton."

"Jonathan Vilma's stay with the Jets is nearly over, and he could be sent packing as soon as tomorrow, when NFL free agency begins and it's open season on trades. Vilma tried to sell himself during last week's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and yesterday was in the Detroit area taking a physical, as he's coming off November reconstructive knee surgery. "

"They are trying to complete a deal for nose tackle Shaun Rogers before Saturday. If Rogers is on the roster at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, his contract calls for payment of a $1 million roster bonus."

"Once again, the Lions are operating from a position of weakness, a prime position for getting ripped off. It might make fans feel better if the Lions just get rid of Shaun Rogers, their sometimes-best defensive player. It might make Millen and Rod Marinelli feel tougher."

"Damien Woody is leaving the door open for a possible return to the Detroit Lions, but it appears other doors will be swinging open for Woody very shortly... The Lions are expected to visit with tackle L.J. Shelton today. "

"The Lions are moving closer to trading Shaun Rogers, with the Broncos figuring most prominently in talks involving the massive nose tackle. The Lions face a deadline in making a deal because of a $1 million bonus payment due if Rogers is on the roster on March 1. "

"Cornerback Fernando Bryant was happy the Lions released him Monday, giving him a jump start on finding a new job before the free-agent market opens Friday... The Lions are trying to re-sign unrestricted free agents Travis Fisher and Keith Smith, and they have their eye on others, including Brian Kelly, who bought out his contract with Tampa Bay."

"Defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, defensive end Kalimba Edwards and strong side linebacker Boss Bailey all are candidates not to return to the Lions next season. Two other starters -- safety Kenoy Kennedy and cornerback Travis Fisher -- might be back, but likely only in backup roles."

"If the Green Bay Packers decide to trade defensive tackle Corey Williams before the draft, they probably will be seeking a second-round selection."

"Coach Rod Marinelli is keeping an eye on the Lions veterans while scouting talent for the upcoming draft. The offseason involves speculation and manipulation of the roster, and the main focus has been on Jon Kitna, Roy Williams and Shaun Rogers. "

"The Lions are not going to trade Roy Williams. Lions coach Rod Marinelli wants both Williams and Calvin Johnson at wide receiver."

"Kitna, Williams and Rogers are rumored to be on their way out. The smart money says Kitna and Williams will be back, and Rogers will be gone. But pay close attention to how the Lions make these decisions."

"The Lions continue to listen to trade talk concerning defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. "It's probably one of the great rumor events of all time right now, being here," Lions coach Rod Marinelli said. "

"The Lions are expected to target Brian Kelly, a 10-year veteran with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

"The trade drums are beating louder for Lions nose tackle Shaun Rogers. The question no longer seems to be whether the Lions will trade him, but when they will make a deal. "

"According to two sources close to the situation, Denver is in the exploration process of looking at Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers... Tampa Bay is among the teams showing interest in Walker. The Jets, who could make linebacker Jonathan Vilma available, also could be in play for Walker."

"Drew Rosenhaus said he and the Cowboys were having discussions about contract extensions for running back Marion Barber and receiver Terrell Owens. Neither Rosenhaus nor Jerry Jones would elaborate. Don't expect the Cowboys to be able to trade for Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald... NFL sources insist Lions receiver Roy Williams is available through a trade, but the asking price is at least one first-round draft pick."

"ESPN reported the Lions might meet with free-agent linebacker Zach Thomas. Other teams are interested in Thomas, including New England, New Orleans and Dallas. The Lions have met with free-agent linebacker Al Wilson."

"He played well for the first eight games last season but tailed off dramatically in the second half. Rogers' weight was in the 370-pound range -- or higher -- all season. Marinelli has said repeatedly he will not release him, but a trade is a strong possibility. "

"The Broncos are examining the possibility of pursuing super talented but often lackadaisical Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers."

"Tight end Alge Crumpler, who battled through injuries last year and was released by the Falcons after his seventh NFL season, plans to meet with several teams in Indianapolis beginning Friday... Crumpler listed at least seven teams that he might meet with: Green Bay, Buffalo, Detroit, Seattle, Carolina, Tampa Bay and Tennessee."

"Marinelli reiterated the Lions would not release defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, despite a TV report that they would if they failed to trade him."

"Linebacker Boss Bailey is the only full-time starter who will be a free agent. The others are linebacker Teddy Lehman , running backs T.J. Duckett , Aveion Cason and Tatum Bell , tight end John Owens , defensive backs Tony Beckham , Idris Bashir , Smith and Fisher, offensive tackle George Foster and wide receiver Troy Walters ."