This is the offseason that might decide the fate of Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew. That's a fact regardless of whether anyone in the organization ever would state it so bluntly.
Mayhew's precarious position explains why the Lions have been extremely active in free agency, signing running back Reggie Bush, safety Glover Quin and defensive end Jason Jones. They kept safety Louis Delmas and cornerback Chris Houston but allowed the overpriced duo of tackle Gosder Cherilus and defensive end Cliff Avril to walk.
Mayhew knows there has to be a sense of urgency, even if he hasn't admitted that the 2013 season might determine his future in Detroit.
"Let me just say this," Mayhew told MLive.com's Anwar Richardson on Sunday. "When you win four games, you better have a sense of urgency about it. Certainly, I had a great sense of urgency about this offseason, but I wouldn't categorize it as not having a great sense of urgency in the previous offseasons. I just think we came into it with a great sense of urgency about getting better."
The Lions have one winning season in four years since Mayhew took over the full-time general manager role. The Lions followed their first playoff appearance in 12 seasons with a 4-12 flop. Coach Jim Schwartz is in the same boat with Mayhew. There needs to be marked improvement with the Lions in 2013, or major changes likely will extend beyond the roster.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.