Bly reportedly asks to be traded

[RamWraith]

Cornerback, 29, has one year remaining on a five-year deal he signed as free agent in 2003.

Mike O'Hara / The Detroit News



ALLEN PARK -- The Lions' list of needs is getting longer, not shorter, in the offseason.

Cornerback Dre Bly has added to the offseason uncertainty by reportedly asking to be traded.

Lions president Matt Millen could not be reached for comment Tuesday on Bly's request. Lions vice-president Bill Keenist would not comment when reached Tuesday night.

However, there have been indications since the end of the 2006 season Bly and the Lions could be parting company. Bly has one year left on the five-year contract he signed as an unrestricted free agent in 2003.

Bly, 29, played all 16 games in 2006 for the first time as a Lion. However, he had three interceptions, his lowest total as a Lion.

He had six in 2004 and '05 and four in '05. Bly made the NFC Pro Bowl team in 2003 and '04 and was the first alternate in '05.

Bly was not as effective last year playing in coach Rod Marinelli's Tampa Two defense, which requires the cornerbacks to be more physical against the run.

Bly will cost the Lions more than $5.4 million against their salary cap if he is with the team next season.

He has a base salary of $4.2 million, with a prorated share of $1.2 million from the $6 million signing bonus he got in 2003.

If Bly isn't back, the Lions could have a new set of starting cornerbacks next year. Fernando Bryant missed the last four games last season because of effects of a severe concussion suffered in a collision with teammate Ernie Sims.

The tailback situation also has to be clarified. The Lions ended last season with their top three tailbacks -- Kevin Jones, Shawn Bryson and Brian Calhoun -- on injured reserve.

There have been mixed reports on when Jones will be available. Jones' left foot was severely injured late in the season. There has been a question from the time of the injury whether Jones will be available for the start of the season.

That appears doubtful.

The free-agent signing period is March 2. The draft is April 28-29.

[laram0]

I heard on Sirius NFL Talk that Bly has been given permission to seek a trade.

[bigtiger737]

hmm if this will effect any of the clements price??

[81~BIG-GAME]

Originally Posted by bigtiger737

hmm if this will effect any of the clements price??

IMO it won't affect Clements,he is gonna get his pay-day especially as Samuel has been tagged by the Patriots,I expect Clements to be in big demand and to get payed as such..:l