Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew acknowledged that all decisions sit behind the massive Ndamukong Suh quandary.
However, at the NFL Scouting Combine, the team isn't sitting on its hands.
ESPN's Josina Anderson reported Sunday that Lions brass met with representatives of defensive tackle Nick Fairley on Sunday. A source characterized the meeting to Anderson as being "very positive."
That a team met with reps of one of its free agents during the combine isn't noteworthy -- GMs and coaches meet with almost all the reps of their own important players. That the meeting was characterized as "very positive" is a good sign the Lions might be able to retain Fairley as a backup plan if Suh leaves on the open market.
Mayhew said last week he could envision circumstances where both Suh and Fairley are back or neither return to Detroit. We find it difficult to believe both would be able to return given the Lions' salary cap situation.
With the Lions' gaping hole at defensive tackle, ensuring one of their first-round picks returns next year is essential.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast breaks down all the latest from the combine and gives updates on Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
