They already have released six players. More cuts are to come. The Lions must add a lot of talent.

TEAM NEEDS/OFF-SEASON STRATEGY

As general manager Martin Mayhew said, the biggest decision the Lions must make this off-season is at quarterback - and they have to get started soon.

Daunte Culpepper ($2.5 million) and Jon Kitna ($500,000) have upcoming roster bonuses. Dan Orlovsky is set to become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27. Drew Stanton and Drew Henson, both inexperienced projects, are under contract. The Lions have the No. 1 pick in the draft.

The Lions will try to sign kicker Jason Hanson to a long-term contract, but if they can't by the Feb. 19 deadline, they will designate him their franchise player, Mayhew said.

They also are trying to re-sign guard Stephen Peterman and fullback Moran Norris.

TOP THREE TEAM NEEDS

1. Quarterback: The Lions don't have a quarterback for the future, and they have the No. 1 pick in the draft. Most mock drafts have them taking Georgia QB Matt Stafford. He could sit behind Daunte Culpepper for a year.

2. Linebacker: The defense has holes all over, but Ernie Sims is the Lions' only linebacker with playmaking potential.

3. Defensive back: Only one Lions defensive back intercepted a pass in 2008, Leigh Bodden, and the Lions just released him.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--RB Aveion Cason helped boost the Lions' return game, but not enough, and wasn't a factor in running game.

--DT Shaun Cody didn't live up to expectations as a second-round pick and hasn't heard from the Lions.

--WR Keary Colbert joined the Lions late and didn't make an impact.

--T Damion Cook played a backup role along the line. If he returns, it will be for depth.

--T George Foster struggled after being traded from Denver and lost right tackle job to 2008 first-rounder Gosder Cherilus. Unlikely to return.

--K Jason Hanson is still going strong after 17 seasons in Detroit and will be back, either signing a long-term deal or as a franchise player.

--RB Rudi Johnson did not regain his Pro Bowl form in Detroit. Unlikely to return.

--LB Paris Lenon was a smart, hard-working veteran but didn't make enough plays in the middle. Unlikely to return.

--OL Andy McCollum filled in at center while Dominic Raiola was injured in 2008 and Lions ran the ball well. Still unlikely to return.

--WR Shaun McDonald didn't produce the same way after Mike Martz left.

--DT Langston Moore was a solid role player, but the Lions cut him once and have young defensive tackles.

--LB Ryan Nece was signed because of his experience in the Tampa Two, and the Lions are ditching the Tampa Two. Unlikely to return.

--FB Moran Norris signed during the season and made an impact as a lead blocker. Lions want him back.

--QB Dan Orlovsky didn't make mistakes as a starter, but didn't make enough plays, either. Unlikely to return.

--TE John Owens was a solid blocker but didn't make an impact as a receiver.

--G Stephen Peterman wasn't dominant, but the Lions want to re-sign him.

--DE Corey Smith was a good role player on defense and a playmaker on special teams. Could be back.

--CB Stanley Wilson never developed and spent 2008 on injured reserve. Unlikely to return.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: Unknown.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.

PLAYERS LOST

--CB Leigh Bodden (released).

--WR Mike Furrey (released).

--TE Dan Campbell (released).

--OG Edwin Mulitalo (released).

--S Dwight Smith (released/failed physical).

--OL Jon Dunn (released/failed physical).