Don't expect the Lions to be big players on the free-agent market this year - if and when the NFL and the players agree on a new collective bargaining agreement. Speaking to a group of sports editors recently, coach Jim Schwartz made it clear he's not big on landing the one elite player to get a team over the hump.

"What we need to do is we need to take the same kind of attitude that we've taken to get from 0-16 to this year and not change that all of a sudden and think all we need to do is make one more move and that will get us over the top," Schwartz said. "I think too many times that is a recipe for failure in the NFL. Teams that think they're really close and they think that one person is going to be the difference-maker."

To his point, the Lions resisted putting the franchise tag on their top free agent, CB Chris Houston. It would have cost them some $14 million to do so, and they wisely thought that would be a reach for Houston.

Plus, the Lions have too many holes yet to plug, especially at linebacker and secondary. One elite-level player won't get it done.

"It's not going to be the way that we're going to approach it," Schwartz said. "We're going to approach it saying we need to keep doing what we've done. We need to stay true to ourselves and keep doing that and if we do then we'll continue to make progress, and I think that's what we're trying to do."

OFFSEASON STRATEGY

Start with linebacker. MLB DeAndre Levy is the only player assured of a starting spot. Julian Peterson will not be brought back and Zack Follett (neck) isn't expected to play next season. Even if he can, he won't be a starter.

The Lions may also lose free agent Landon Johnson. Restricted free agents Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer will likely be back, but the Lions see them as key reserves, not starters.

The biggest free-agent worry will be re-signing CB Chris Houston. They will certainly be looking for help in the secondary and linebacker in the draft.

The Lions will not use the franchise or transition tag on any player this season. They don't feel there is any player worthy of it.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Outside linebacker: It was one of two units that was never stabilized last season. The Lions used six different starters. They also used five different starters at middle linebacker because of Levy's lingering injuries.

2. Cornerback: The Lions have put a priority on re-signing Houston. They also have a stable of corners who have, for varying reasons, never quite lived up to their potential. Alphonso Smith will be given every opportunity to win a starting spot. Others like Aaron Berry, Brandon McDonald, Tye Hill and Prince Miller are also in the mix.

3. Wide receiver: The cupboard gets bare in a hurry after Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson. Bryant Johnson, who has one year and $3 million left on his contract, was frustratingly unproductive this season. His three receptions in the finale probably weren't enough to change the Lions' thinking on this. Former third-round pick Derrick Williams was also a bust.

4. Offensive linemen: Do not be surprised if the Lions use their 13th overall pick to take an offensive lineman. Early projections show the best available player at the spot might be an offensive lineman. And even though the Lions will return their line intact, players like LT Jeff Backus and C Dominic Raiola are approaching the end of their career.

MEDICAL WATCH
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