Wilkinson just got cut by the Lions... should we sign him? Kind of a better fit for the 3-4 imo and could clog the middle on rushing downs in the rotation with Dewayne... Anyone else worried about Dewayne's ability to play NT in a 3-4?
Updated: May 22, 2006, 4:31 PM ET Lions release DT WilkinsonESPN.com news services ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Rod Marinelli prefers fast defensive tackles with the ability to penetrate the backfield over massive ones that clog the middle. That essentially spelled the end for Dan Wilkinson with the Detroit Lions. Dan Wilkinson Defensive Tackle Detroit Lions Profile 2005 SEASON STATISTICS Tot Ast Solo FF Sack Int 26 20 6 0 3 0 The 6-4, 353-pound Wilkinson was released by the Lions on Monday after starting all 48 games for them over the last three seasons. However, Wilkinson was not a good fit in the Cover-2 defense scheme that new coach Marinelli is installing in Detroit. Wilkinson, 33, had not participated in any of Marinelli's offseason conditioning and minicamps sessions, and Lions officials seemed content to provide him time to decide on his future. What role his lingering indecision played in Monday's release was not immediately known. Lions team president Matt Millen said last week that he had recently spoken to Wilkinson, but remained uncertain about the defensive tackle's plans. The departure of Wilkinson likely elevates second-year pro Shaun Cody, a second-round choice in the 2005 draft, into the starting spot next to Shaun Rogers. The No. 3 tackle in the rotation, for now, probably becomes journeyman Marcus Bell. The No. 1 overall pick in the 1994 draft, Wilkinson played four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before being traded to the Washington Redskins in 1997. He spent five years with Washington before signing with the Lions in 2003. In his 12-year career, Wilkinson compiled 455 tackles and 54 sacks. The Lions on Monday also re-signed restricted free agent linebacker James Davis to a one-year contract. Davis started all 16 games at weakside linebacker last season and was third on the team in tackles with 79. Information from SportsTicker and ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli was used in this report.
