Lions get heat for bringing in Bucs castoffs

A friend of mine, columnist Rob Parker of the Detroit News, wrote an interesting column over the weekend that essentially rips the Lions for their heavy reliance on former Bucs, whether coaches or players.

It's hard to deny there's been a conscious effort to stock up on former Tampa Bay talent. Cornerback Brian Kelly's signing over the weekend was just the latest addition. The Lions have also signed Chartric Darby in the past week, a member of Lions coach Rod Marinelli's defensive line when he coached the unit in Tampa Bay. And the Lions are expected to officially add Bucs safety Kalvin Pearson this week if the Bucs fail to match the offer sheet he signed with the Lions last Wednesday. They're not expected to, according to his agent.

Also on the Detroit roster is defensive end Dewayne White, who signed a big deal last year, and safety Dwight Smith, a one-time Buc. Detroit is also considering former Tampa Bay lineman Ellis Wyms, a free agent.

Parker's point is that there's been too much emphasis placed on sticking with players who are familiar to Marinelli. The Lions haven't won many games, so maybe he's got a point. Either way, it's an interesting look at some guys who will be very familiar to you.