I've heard from a few e-mailers in recent days who are unhappy with the Lions' offseason. Why didn't the team go after Michael Turner? Why do they only seem to sign ex-Tampa guys? And what uninspiring free agent is next?

First thing's first, despite a gaping hole at running back, the Lions never were going to sign Turner (or other high-priced free agents like Asante Samuel or Alan Faneca). They doesn't mean they weren't interested in him or don't think he'll succeed as a feature back, just the price Atlanta paid Turner (six years, $34.5 million) doesn't mesh with coach Rod Marinelli's team-building philosophy.

So far this winter the Lions have re-signed running back Aveion Cason and cornerbacks Keith Smith and Travis Fisher, traded for corner Leigh Bodden and signed safety Dwight Smith, tight end Michael Gaines and guard Corey Hulsey as free agents. Nothing flashy, but important on several levels. First, the Lions addressed their biggest weakness in the secondary by keeping two young corners already familiar with the defense and adding two new playmakers who could start from Day 1. The signings also leave them flexibility. Kenoy Kennedy, a starter at safety last year, is now trade bait for a late-round draft pick, and the team does not have to take a corner on the first day of the draft.

Re-signing Cason was less important, but considering the holes at running back and kick returner, where Cason excelled last year, the Lions were wise to lock him up. They still have needs at running back, right tackle, linebacker and on the defensive line, but two of those should be addressed in free agency and a third might already be on the roster.

The Lions are not expected to host any free agents over the weekend. Already they've welcomed defensive tackle Chuck Darby, running back Julius Jones and right tackle L.J. Shelton. Don't be fooled by his lack of publicity, but Darby would be an ideal replacement for Shaun Rogers (who was traded to Cleveland for Bodden and a third-round pick) if he signs. He's not an all-pro, but people around the league vouch for his toughness and character, and more than anything that's what Marinelli desires.

Jones and Shelton have big asking prices right now and the Lions are right to tread wisely at those positions. First, Kevin Jones will be playing for a contract next season and hopes to return from knee surgery by the start of training camp. At tackle, no one on the market is a slam dunk, and Jonathan Scott remains under contract as a potential starter. Injuries have hurt Scott the last two seasons, but remember the Lions tabbed him ahead of Damien Woody last year. Furthermore, running back and tackle are two of the deepest positions in April's draft. The Lions should be able to land a starter at either position (or somewhere on defense) with the 15th pick and are in no rush to overspend on a stopgap free agent.

Linebacker is slightly different. There's no blue-chip talent to be had, so Ernie Sims, Paris Lenon and Alex Lewis could enter camp as starters. Dan Morgan and Al Wilson remain viable free agents — both have visited the Lions — but expect the Lions to spend a second- or third-round pick on that position in April.