Even if Detroit doesn't take a tackle in the first round of April's draft, another potential starter could be added in free agency.
Must-read:
- Rosenthal: Braves make statement
- Goodman: Hansbrough almost a legend
Must-see:
- Glazer explains why Giants cut Plax
- Glazer: Examining the Cutler trade
Top headlines:
- Report: Bullets fly at Brady-Gisele nups
- Braves roll by Phils to start season
- Gordon ends 47-race winless skid
- L'ville women rally to reach title game
All of today's top stories >>
Worth a thousand words:
- Action from the Final Four
- Best NASCAR action from Texas
- A-Rod smooching ... himself?
View more photos >>
Ephraim Salaam, an 11-year NFL veteran with 129 career starts, is taking a visit with the Lions. News of the trip came from Houston guard Chester Pitts — Salaam's close friend and former Texans teammate — during a Saturday interview on Sirius NFL Radio.
Salaam spent last season as a backup to Duane Brown, Houston's 2008 first-round draft choice. Salaam started 30 of 32 games the previous two seasons for the Texans. Salaam, who turns 33 in June, also has played with Jacksonville, Denver and Atlanta.
The Lions are considering a left tackle with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Virginia's Eugene Monroe and Baylor's Jason Smith are the two top prospects at the position. If a left tackle were chosen or Salaam were signed, incumbent starter Jeff Backus could be switched to left guard.
Pitts said Salaam had some trepidation about signing with Detroit because of the possibility a tackle would be drafted — which would relegate him to a backup role — and a low salary offer. Pitts also said Detroit's recent on-field struggles could affect his decision.
Pitts said he believes Houston hasn't closed the door on re-signing Salaam at the start of training camp if he hadn't joined another team by then.
Alex Marvez interviewed Pitts during a Saturday co-hosting shift on Sirius NFL Radio.
