--The Lions reportedly have inquired about Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms. That would make sense on some levels. Coach Rod Marinelli, a former Buccaneers defensive line coach and assistant head coach, has brought several former Bucs to Detroit. Simms seems to be his type of guy, and the Lions have two inexperienced quarterbacks behind Jon Kitna -- Dan Orlovsky and Drew Stanton. But the Lions just drafted Stanton last year and used a second-round pick to get him.
--No team might fear the Brett Favre news more than the Lions. If he returns to Green Bay -- or goes to another team on the schedule, like Minnesota or Tampa Bay -- the Lions will have to contend with a guy who has beaten them soundly for years. The Lions have never beaten Favre at Green Bay. Never. Playing him every year in Wisconsin since 1991. That's 0-17, including the playoffs.
--The Lions announced they signed defensive end Cliff Avril, a third-round pick, to a three-year deal. No other 2008 Lions' draft picks have signed deals yet, but no holdouts are expected. The Lions have a good track record of getting their draft picks in camp on time. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson held out for a while last year, but he was the second overall pick. The Lions' highest pick this year was offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus, 17th overall.
--Oakland running back LaMont Jordan reportedly visited the Lions as the Raiders explore a trade, but there was little contact between the parties afterward.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "As much as I can say that don't make a difference, you know as a kid you always grow up watching the team. The biggest games I remember were the Thanksgiving Day games. To get a chance to come home and play for this organization and get a chance to play on Thanksgiving, I mean, I couldn't ask for nothing more." -- S Dwight Smith, telling the Detroit Free Press about playing for his hometown team.
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