Detroit Lions News

William Clay Ford, the owner of the Detroit Lions and longtime executive of his family's auto company, died Sunday at age 88. / 2004 photo by RASHAUN RUCKER/Detroit Free Press William Clay Ford has been such a part of Detroit, it's a bit surreal that this Michigan icon that we have taken for granted has passed on.

The Detroit Lions had a quiet start to the free agency period until they signed wide receiver Golden Tate to a $31 million contract with $13.25 million guaranteed.

The Detroit Lions committed $5.4 million in cap space to sign wide receiver Golden Tate and running back Joique Bell.

New Lions receiver Golden Tate led the Seahawks -- a team that attempted a third fewer passes than Detroit -- with 64 receptions for 898 yards.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester is brought down by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker and former Wagner College star Julian Stanford after a reception during the second half of 2012 game in Florida.

Tight end Brandon Pettigrew is testing the free-agent market, but there remains a chance he'll return to the Lions.

Willie Young started 15 games for the Lions last season and had 47 tackles, three sacks and five passes defensed.

James Ihedigbo had a career year in 2013, starting all 16 games and finishing with 101 tackles, 11 passes defensed, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Oct 28, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford Jr talks with president Tom Lewand before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field.

The Lions have been patiently letting the market fall into place early in free agency, but they have targeted some necessary affordable depth.

Looking for a quarterback with a great cannon, Jango has perhaps the most powerful gun in the draft.

Pass rusher DeMarcus Ware got a $30 million, three-year contract from the Denver Broncos on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after being released by the Dallas Cowboys.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh walks on the field with teammate Dominic Raiola, left, against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 29, 2013, in Minneapolis.

Golden Tate to Lions rumors have become fact. Former Seattle Seahawks receiver Golden Tate goes to the Detroit Lions on a five-year contract worth $31 million.

Oct 20, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew celebrates with wide receiver Kris Durham after catching a pass in the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ford Field.

Sure, the Detroit Lions missed out on most of the top safeties on the free agent market, but the team could still hit a home run if they manage to land Miami's Chris Clemons.

Anthony Kuehn is the editor of the Detroit Lions blog Lions Gab . His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Detroit Free Press nor its writers.

OCTOBER 13: Tight end Joseph Fauria #80 of the Detroit Lions catches a touchdown pass in front of defensive back T.J. Ward #43 of the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 13, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Under the guidance of general managers like Matt Millen and Russ Thomas, the Detroit Lions blundered more than they bolstered, but there were some solid guys who contributed to winning teams in the mix.

If recent deals are indicative of the market, Detroit Lions defensive end Willie Young is about to receive a significant raise.