Posted Feb 24th 2009 4:00 PM by Ryan Wilson
Maybe he will go on to NFL greatness, but for now, Dan Orlovsky is best known as “that dude who ran out of the end zone for no apparent reason.” The Lions’ 2005 fifth-round pick, Orlovsky started started seven games at quarterback last season, but has decided to test the free-agent market instead of returning to Detroit.
It has less to do with the Lions’ 0-16 putridity and more to do with the organization telling Orlovsky, in so many words, that there was a better chance he’d lead the league in rushing yards than win the starting quarterback job.
“They made an offer, but I’m going to test the market and see what’s out there for me,” Orlovsky told the Associated Press Monday, adding that he’d been told by Lions officials he’d back up Culpepper next season. “I’m pretty confident that I’m going to get a better offer.”
General manager Martin Mayhew denies Orlovsky’s assertion, naturally. “I told Dan when I talked to him: ‘The best player will play … If you come in here and you’re the best player to help us win football games, you’ll start.’”
A couple things worth pointing out: still no mention of Drew Stanton, the team’s 2007 second-round pick. Also, no matter who you believe, the Lions still could be in the Matt Stafford/Mark Sanchez business with the first-overall pick. Or, as has been suggested numerous times, they should focus on the offensive line before searching for a franchise quarterback. Makes sense in theory; whether Detroit actually follows through is another matter entirely.