The Detroit Lions want to see more out of Nick Fairley next season. And that starts with seeing more out of Nick Fairley this offseason.

"As I told him, I'd like to see his commitment to the offseason program improve, and see him on a consistent basis," general manager Martin Mayhew said recently. "It's voluntary, but if he's not training with us, I'd like to see him training somewhere."

Detroit can begin its offseason program as soon as April 7 -- two weeks ahead of most of the rest of the league -- because it changed coaches, and Mayhew stressed that there are players other than Fairley who should commit more to the program.

But Fairley is a former first-round draft pick who still hasn't developed enough consistency after three years in the league. Plus, Detroit will have to decide soon whether to pick up his option for 2015.

So his commitment, or lack there of, draws more attention than most.

Fairley finished last season with 35 tackles, including three for loss, and six sacks. He forced two fumbles, recovered two others and scored one safety. And he is capable of dominating anyone.

But he is equally capable of getting neutralized for long stretches, which is confounding for a player of his talents. Former coach Jim Schwartz said he didn't believe Fairley's weight and conditioning hindered his play, but the club's position has changed on that issue since Schwartz's ouster.

Fairley was listed at 298 pounds last season, but appeared to weigh at least 320 by season's end and played with a sizeable belly. Mayhew said in January he would like to see Fairley "reposition" some of that weight.

That has been a regular topic of conversation this offseason between Mayhew, Fairley and Fairley's agent, and could factor into whether the team decides to pick up Fairley's option for 2015.

New Lions coach Jim Caldwell hasn't had much contact with the defensive tackle yet, but already has taken a keen interest in figuring out how to get more out of him.

"We have not had an opportunity to sit down and meet face to face for the most part -- obviously the CBA rules prohibit a lot of discussion in that area -- so I'm looking forward to an opportunity to talk with him," Caldwell said.

"This guy has an immeasurable amount of talent, and it's my job to get it out of him. And that's the key. And I think he's capable. I also think he's willing. So we'll see how that goes."