FanPost

Shaun Rogers to be Released or Dealt... NT Fix?

Per ESPN:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/s...

The Lions have decided to trade or release Rogers, according to reports. Coach Rod Marinelli and team spokesman Bill Keenist have both said they expect all players under contract to return.

Rogers, who has served one four-game suspension for taking a banned dietary supplement and could face an eight-game suspension if he tests positive again, has three years left on his contract.

Rogers, who has been to two Pro Bowls, had a good start to the season and was named NFC defensive player of the week after returning a 66-yard interception for a touchdown and recording 2½ sacks in the Lions' 44-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 9. But in the six-game losing streak that followed, he disappeared.

"He was a good player for us for nine games," Marinelli said at the time. "But it's the endurance all the way through the season, that's what I'm looking for."

2007 Season Stats
Tot Solo  Ast  FF Sack  Int
39 26  13   0    7    1

Here's what he has left on his current deal...

  1. $4,250,000, 2009: $5,250,000, 2010: $7,000,000

My biggest question about this move, is why Matt Millen would make this known this early, and subsequently kill his whatever trade value Shaun might have had left...

Anyways, Shaun is BIG. He needs to shed some pounds before next season, and you'd think anyone taking him at this point would make that abundantly clear upon his arrival... He's one of the best down linemen in football when he's motivated, but that's been the biggest question with him during his career. Can he stay focused and motivated enough throughout a season to maintain an elite level of play over the course of 16 games?

It might be a little risk, but Shaun is a better fit at NT than Jay Ratliff (who belongs outside at DE). and he's definately an upgrade over Jason Ferguson and Tank Johnson. Is this a guy you take a serious look at for the right price through trade? Do you wait and see if there's any other takers first, and let the Lions cut him before you make your move? Do you leave him alone all together? I like him alot, and know him personally so I may be a little biased, but I make a move for him if all it costs me is a 4th or 5th rounder... No way the Lions are getting a first day pick for the guy at this point.

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