Lions To Host Former Panther OL Geoff Schwartz

[lions2011]

The Detroit Lions will host free-agent offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz for a visit on Friday, a league source said.

Schwartz started all 16 games in 2010 for the Carolina Panthers and can play either guard or tackle. He missed all of last season with a hip injury.

The Panthers did not tender Schwartz as a restricted free agent, making him unrestricted.

The Lions have four of their five starters back on the offensive line and are close to re-signing their fifth, left tackle Jeff Backus.

Schwartz would, at a minimum, compete for a starting spot next fall or give the team a young backup for an aging offensive line. Backus, right guard Stephen Peterman and center Dominic Raiola are all 30 or older.

Schwartz turns 26 in July.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Any good, anyone know?

 

[dannydiggler]

Who?

 

[lions2011]

Danny Diggler[/color]]Who?

According to Pro Football Focus, Schwartz is a versatile offensive lineman. He can play either guard or tackle, and in 2010 he had a pretty good season.

When the Carolina Panthers opted against tendering Schwartz, there was a collective gasp from the PFF team. Sure Ron Rivera wasn

 

[lp4ever41]

Free agent T/G Geoff Schwartz confirmed on Twitter Wednesday night that he is healthy after missing all of 2011 due to hip surgery.
Beat writer Darin Gantt insists Schwartz wasn't tendered due to a "business decision," but the Panthers would easily have offered him the one-year, $1.26 million proposal if they thought highly of Schwartz. Young and a mauler with starting experience at right guard and right tackle, Schwartz should have several suitors. Old pal John Fox may give him a look in Denver.

 

[lp4ever41]

[quote="Danny Diggler":qxsqsq4s]Who?

According to Pro Football Focus, Schwartz is a versatile offensive lineman. He can play either guard or tackle, and in 2010 he had a pretty good season.

When the Carolina Panthers opted against tendering Schwartz, there was a collective gasp from the PFF team. Sure Ron Rivera wasn

 

[mhughes0021]

A part of a great running offense from Carolina in 2010....cant complain about that....if he started 16 games that year atleast part of that success is due to him.

 

[coel73]

I saw mauler somewhere in slick's post. We definitely need one of those

 

[tsmith7559]

looks like MM is looking for injury discount guys..Schwartz & Landry both missed time with serious injuriies

 

[zyxt9]

understandable with cap challenge

if he hits, he's a genius