It shouldn’t come as a big surprise, but today, the Lions announced that they had signed DT Chuck Darby to a three year contract. Darby comes to us from the Seattle Seahawks and should be a welcome addition to the Lions defensive unit this upcoming season.

Darby has previously played for Coach Rod during his time in Tampa Bay. He saw limited action last season with the Seahawks due to an injury. It will be his job to replace the traded Shaun Rogers. Provide the Lions get back at cornerback and linebacker, swapping out Rogers for Darby seems to be a good move to me. Of course, that is assuming Darby has no ill effects from the knee injury.

Darby was one of the emotional leaders of the Seahawks and the Lions could certainly use a similar leader for them on defense. They have lacked the leadership the last few years. Some internet sides had Darby as the third highest rated DT available in free agency.

Its not a big move or blockbuster move, but I think it was a smart move.

The Shaun Rogers saga continues. Earlier today, Coach Rod Marinelli made it clear that the Lions will not be given his outright release from the Lions. Coach Rod was very clear on this point. He said that either Rogers would be traded or he would be in training camp in July.

As to the trade, Marinelli sounded like he really would like to trade Rogers, but that the Lions would only do so if they got a good value. He also threw in a little caveat that said the Lions would trade anyone if it bettered the team. He also said he would be glad to welcome Rogers back for another season.

“That door will always stay open,” Marinelli said. “This is the best year he’s had, he practiced all year and didn’t miss any games.”

Personally, I hope we don’t get too greedy in the trade market. I suspect there are a few teams out there that would welcome Rogers with open arms, especially teams with a decent defensive line now where Rogers wouldn’t necessarily be expected to play a whole game. If we could get a defensive starter and a decent draft pick, I would pull the trigger.

h/t MLive