Backus franchised...

[cruzer1]

Lions | Backus franchised
Thu, 23 Feb 2006 09:23:34 -0800

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the Detroit Lions have placed their franchise tag on OLT Jeff Backus, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent. The Lions were unable to reach a long-term extension with him.

[Buddha]

Oh well. They could do worse.

[cruzer1]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2341906

Detroit designates tackle as franchise player

Unable to reach a long-term extension with Jeff Backus, the Detroit Lions on Thursday applied the franchise designation to their standout left offensive tackle, ESPN.com has learned.

The move, which keeps the five-year veteran off the unrestricted free agent market, came after the two sides negotiated into Thursday morning, but could not resolve their financial differences. Lions general manager Matt Millen had indicated earlier in the week that the team would not hesitate to employ the franchise marker to retain Backus, the team's first-round pick in the 2001 draft.

Backus, 28, is the third player leaguewide, as of Thursday morning, to merit the franchise marker, joining New York Jets defensive end John Abraham and Buffalo Bills cornerback Nate Clements in that category. Teams have until Thursday at 4 p.m. (ET) to use the franchise or transition labels on players.

By using the franchise tag, the Lions severely limit Backus' potential mobility in free agency. It also means the team has made him a one-year qualifying offer of $6.983 million for 2006. If Backus opts to sign the one-year offer, that salary is guaranteed. The two sides can also negotiate a long-term contract.

A former University of Michigan star, Backus is arguably the top player on a suspect Lions blocking unit, one that will need to improve markedly under new assistant coach Larry Beightol for the Detroit offense to progress in 2006. Backus has never missed a game in his NFL career and has started in all 80 of his regular-season appearances.
Backus is considered a top-flight pass protector and that will be critical, with the Lions having signed former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz as offensive coordinator under first-year coach Rod Marinelli. Pass protection is a key in the Martz-designed offense, where quarterbacks are asked to hold the ball longer, and where they typically absorb plenty of hits.

Under Beightol, who favors a physical style of play, Backus probably will be asked to improve on his run-blocking skills.

The retention of Backus by the Lions further thins an already shallow offensive line pool in free agency. Had the Lions not used the franchise designation, Backus almost certainly would have been one of the most ardently pursued free agents in the market.

[NJ Jackal]

The Lions would have been better off letting him go. I have never seen the big deal with Backus. Oh wait, he did go to Michigan. Any player out of a Michigan college has to be good in the NFL, right? David Kircus? Right?

[knoxvegas]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

The Lions would have been better off letting him go. I have never seen the big deal with Backus. Oh wait, he did go to Michigan. Any player out of a Michigan college has to be good in the NFL, right? David Kircus? Right?

nice comparisonno really I mean it.

[Tiger Optimist]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

The Lions would have been better off letting him go. I have never seen the big deal with Backus. Oh wait, he did go to Michigan. Any player out of a Michigan college has to be good in the NFL, right? David Kircus? Right?

I do not see the harm in bringing him back with the "franchise tag". He is the best option at LT for the 06 season. This move buys time to decide what to do with him. If he still is average under the new regime, a plan can be put together to upgrade the position. Basically, it gives the Lions one more year to decide what to do at LT.

[lesgoblu02]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

The Lions would have been better off letting him go. I have never seen the big deal with Backus. Oh wait, he did go to Michigan. Any player out of a Michigan college has to be good in the NFL, right? David Kircus? Right?

I'm interested to know how they would have been "better off letting him go".

He's not the best LT in the NFL, but he hasn't missed a game and he's better than any potential draftee. And any better FA signee would cost just as much if not more.

[NJ Jackal]

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

I'm interested to know how they would have been "better off letting him go".

He's not the best LT in the NFL, but he hasn't missed a game and he's better than any potential draftee. And any better FA signee would cost just as much if not more.

I'm interested to see how you believe the Lions' offensive line is good enough to take a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach. Yeah, Joey sure did have a lot of time to throw this season. He sure did have a pocket to step into on his passes. Kevin Jones and any rent-a-runner really racked up those yards. Other than Woody, the line was garbage and they are all very replaceable.

As for names who could do just as much as Backus for less money, Mike Utley.

[RedRamage]

I would've prefered they use the transition tag on him. They would need to pay him less if they did that. I agree that they needed to keep him. He ain't the best tackle, but he's better than most other reasonable options.

[cruzer1]

Originally Posted by RedRamage

I would've prefered they use the transition tag on him. They would need to pay him less if they did that. I agree that they needed to keep him. He ain't the best tackle, but he's better than most other reasonable options.

For 600 thousand, it was well worth the security that the franchise label brings. A transition tag would have inspired the Browns, who are 30 million under and need a LT now; to give him a cap busting deal the Lions couldn't have matched.

[RedRamage]

Don't the Lions also get some sort of draft pick compensation from a team that signs a transitional player, or is just that the Lions get a chance to match any offer?

[Deleterious]

They only get compensated for a franchise tag, not a transitional tag. The chance to match is all they would be afforded with a transition tag.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

As for names who could do just as much as Backus for less money, Mike Utley.

Nice...Very Nice...

[jake]

Backus is a good player. We need to keep good players. See Jeff Hartings. I'm sure the Houston Texans wouldn't mind a guy like that.

[RedRamage]

Originally Posted by Deleterious

They only get compensated for a franchise tag, not a transitional tag. The chance to match is all they would be afforded with a transition tag.

Okay, then I respectfully withdraw my objection to the Franchise tag.

[nwilcox]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

The Lions would have been better off letting him go. I have never seen the big deal with Backus.

Why would they be better off letting him go? Does Jeff Hartings ring a bell? And I know I would rather keep Backus and let Ravioli start walking. Backus is much move valuable than Dom ever was or will be.

So now that Hutch got the transistional tag in Seattle what are the chances of him coming to Detroit? Isnt only that Seattle would have to agree?

[djhutch]

Now that the new regime seems to be liking Joey, I would make Hutch my number 1 priority in the off-season. For obvious reasons.

[cruzer1]

It would be very difficult to swing Hutch, but I'm shocked Seattle is taking such an unnecessary risk.

[lesgoblu02]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

I'm interested to see how you believe the Lions' offensive line is good enough to take a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach. Yeah, Joey sure did have a lot of time to throw this season. He sure did have a pocket to step into on his passes. Kevin Jones and any rent-a-runner really racked up those yards. Other than Woody, the line was garbage and they are all very replaceable.

As for names who could do just as much as Backus for less money, Mike Utley.

It's not a matter of "if it aint broke". It's a matter of no better LT's are available for the price. The best OT in the draft will be gone when we pick in the first and there are no FA LT's available that we would be better off with. I would much rather have Jeff Backus than a 2nd or 3rd rounder as a starter.

So instead of dropping parapalegic jokes, show me some better options and then I might change my mind.

Edited to add: I still believe this line can be good. The schemes didn't fit the players last year. Woody was the best OL available when we signed him, Demulling was the best OG available when we signed him. These guys didn't start sucking overnight.

[NJ Jackal]

I'm still waiting for one of these UM fans to tell me ONE reason why Backus has earned this spot? Why should the Lions ignore the worst position area on the team (offensive line) and just stay with the guys they have? Go ahead and take the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality with the line, but be aware that the line is the most broken area of the team.

When Harrington is getting sacked all the time again, when Jones is averaging 2.6 ypc, when there is no pocket to speak of, everybody who is hear saying Backus is the best thing since sliced bread will be ripping Joey and KJ but ignoring the horrible line. But it's a strong part of the team, so why change it? Oh yeah, and he went to UM, Joey and Jones went to non-Michigan schools. Bring back Kircus!

[NJ Jackal]

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

So instead of dropping parapalegic jokes, show me some better options and then I might change my mind.

Tom Ashworth from New England is an available tackle. I know he's not getting any younger, but Jon Runyan is still a quality tackle. He's a UM guy too!

As for other o-linemen, Hutchinson being a transition player makes him a good fit if the right offer is made. Putting him opposite Woody at guard would be a good combination. Wow, and he's another UM guy...how can you not love him??

(Disclaimer--I'm mostly kidding around with the UM thing because people on this board in the past have given a free pass to people who played college ball in Michigan, simply because of that. Althought they aren't my favorite college program, I enjoy UM football and went to four home games in Ann Arbor last season with friends, co-workers, family, etc. Their program has done a good job in my opinion of preparing players for the pros.)

[lesgoblu02]

.The Lions gave up 31 sacks last year. Tied for 10th best in the league. In 2001 and 2002 they led the league in fewest sacks allowed. The problem with the line is run blocking. The LT's main responsibility is protecting his QB. It's not Backus' fault that noone can run block on the line. And I could give 2 ***** where he went to college. The bottom line is that had the Lions not franchised him he would have gone elsewhere for alot of money and the line would be worse off than they are right now.

[RedRamage]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

I'm still waiting for one of these UM fans to tell me ONE reason why Backus has earned this spot? Why should the Lions ignore the worst position area on the team (offensive line) and just stay with the guys they have? Go ahead and take the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality with the line, but be aware that the line is the most broken area of the team.

.

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

It's not a matter of "if it aint broke". It's a matter of no better LT's are available for the price. The best OT in the draft will be gone when we pick in the first and there are no FA LT's available that we would be better off with. I would much rather have Jeff Backus than a 2nd or 3rd rounder as a starter.

[RedRamage]

Originally Posted by cruzer1

It would be very difficult to swing Hutch, but I'm shocked Seattle is taking such an unnecessary risk.

Why do you think it would be difficult? Do you expect to see his value to go high? Or do you expect Seattle to do everything in it's power to match and offer.

I'd really like to see the Lions make a move for Hutch personally.

[lesgoblu02]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

As for other o-linemen, Hutchinson being a transition player makes him a good fit if the right offer is made. Putting him opposite Woody at guard would be a good combination. Wow, and he's another UM guy...how can you not love him??

I'm all for Hutch. And not because he went to UM. He's the best guard in football. But what does Hutch have to do with the LT position?

Backus is better than Ashworth. I'll give you Runyan, but he won't come cheap and could tie up big money over a longer period of time. Franchising Backus makes the most sense. Give him one year in a new system designed for the guys we got. If he doesn't work out, let him walk and address the problems next year. We need run blockers plain and simple. We need a big road grader at RT and we need help on Defense. Let's concentrate on that this year.

Just my .02

[NJ Jackal]

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

I'm all for Hutch. And not because he went to UM. He's the best guard in football. But what does Hutch have to do with the LT position?

I was talking linemen in general with him. Kyle Kosier, Kelly Butler, and Dominic Raiola are worthless and finding replacements for them wouldn't disappoint me.

Is it too much to ask for a revamp of the offensive line? Other than some minor depth issues, there isn't another area on the team that stinks as much as the line. I just wish Millen would address this need instead of getting another WR or adding an aging defensive player.

[lesgoblu02]

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

I was talking linemen in general with him. Kyle Kosier, Kelly Butler, and Dominic Raiola are worthless and finding replacements for them wouldn't disappoint me.

Wouldn't disappoint me either. However, Raiola isn't going anywhere as he just signed a long term deal before this season and the other 2 have nothing to do with LT.

Originally Posted by NJ Jackal

Is it too much to ask for a revamp of the offensive line? Other than some minor depth issues, there isn't another area on the team that stinks as much as the line. I just wish Millen would address this need instead of getting another WR or adding an aging defensive player.

You simply cannot replace the entire line. You aren't happy with Backus, Raiola and Butler. All 3 were regular starters. Kosier started several games when Demulling stunk up the building. You want to try and replace every one of those guys? There goes the whole offseason with no added help in the secondary, oft-injured LB'ers, or Pass Rush.

I would like to see a big wide body at RT and some depth and see how they play under Martz's system. There were stories all last year that the OL were upset at the schemes put in by the coaches. They are a weak spot, but franchising a LT that does his job (even when he's hurt) isn't going to be the downfall of this team.

[NJ Jackal]

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

You simply cannot replace the entire line. You aren't happy with Backus, Raiola and Butler. All 3 were regular starters. Kosier started several games when Demulling stunk up the building. You want to try and replace every one of those guys? There goes the whole offseason with no added help in the secondary, oft-injured LB'ers, or Pass Rush.

I would like to see a big wide body at RT and some depth and see how they play under Martz's system. There were stories all last year that the OL were upset at the schemes put in by the coaches. They are a weak spot, but franchising a LT that does his job (even when he's hurt) isn't going to be the downfall of this team.

I know you can't replace them all in real life...sorry, I was having a Madden '05 moment there. But one can dream! I did not realize Raiola was locked up, but with Millen it does not surprise me one bit. You actually have provided some good perspective and analysis and of the four guys I wouldn't mind seeing go, Backus is the 4th worst.

In my ideal world, all four would be replaced, but since this is reality, I would go Raiola, Kosier, Butler, then Backus. I still don't like what Backus brings to the table, but you are correct that of our linemen, he is definitely not the weakest.

Your last post provided some good middle ground and I will take a wait and see approach to the line because that's about all I can do as a fan.

[cruzer1]

Originally Posted by RedRamage

Why do you think it would be difficult? Do you expect to see his value to go high? Or do you expect Seattle to do everything in it's power to match and offer.

I'd really like to see the Lions make a move for Hutch personally.

I don't think the Lions have the cap room to make an offer that Seattle can't match. Not until they sign Backus at least. That will tie the Lions up quite a bit.

[mtdman]

Backus is NOT the problem on the line, and as lesgoblu02 has repeatedly said, there's noone available that we could get that would be an upgrade. The line needs work, but the problems rest on Raiola and Butler, not Backus. Furthermore, you can't just replace the whole damned line at once. The Lions aren't going to be a superbowl team next year anyway, there's no reason to bust your cap all at once to replace the line. Adding a player or two this year and the next will be the strategy, and taking a chance on Backus again this season for relatively cheap money isn't going to be the cause for the Lions stinking again this season. It's a good move. The franchise tag isn't always used for the best player, but the player you can least afford to lose.

[MotownRandy]

Hutch is better than Backus. It'd be nice to add him, but it will be difficult. I noticed the bold part of the original post about Backus not missing any games, which was a very persuasive argument in favor of franchising him.

[lesgoblu02]

Originally Posted by MotownRandy

Hutch is better than Backus.

Without question but they play different positions so let's just get them both!!

[The Dude]

or make an offer and make seattle beat it, maybe hutch would like to play next to backus again..everyone would want to play for the lions regardless of the money right?

[djhutch]

Originally Posted by MotownRandy

Hutch is better than Backus.

Flattery will get you nowhere.

[MotownRandy]

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

Without question but they play different positions so let's just get them both!!

I know. My comparison was because they played in college together and were drafted in the same range....I wish we would have gotten Hutch instead. I agree.

[MotownRandy]

Originally Posted by djhutch

Flattery will get you nowhere.

Look everyone, djhutch is flirting with me. I'll have to contact your son's girlfriend via facebook and have this information reported to your wife (I know, kinda stalkerish).