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Quarterback Kellen Moore, center, could compete with Dan Orlvosky, left, to be the Lions' No. 2 quarterback.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

PHOENIX -- The Detroit Lions had a quarterback competition in name only last year, and maybe not even that.

Jim Caldwell brought in veteran Dan Orlovsky -- a quarterback he knew from his days in Indianapolis -- to be Matthew Stafford's backup. And nothing Kellen Moore did was going to change that.

Moore outplayed Orlovsky in the preseason, yet Caldwell never wavered in his support of Orlovsky as the team's backup quarterback.

But Caldwell's tone has changed this offseason.

Detroit has re-signed Orlovsky to a one-year deal and Moore to a two-year deal, and actually gave the latter more guaranteed money. Asked this week whether Moore could legitimately compete for the No. 2 job, Caldwell offered no assurances to anyone.

"The great thing about it is I think (Moore) has been developing," Caldwell said at the owners meetings. "Big O is certainly getting another feel for the offense as well. It'll be a pretty good opportunity for us to kind of see where they both are coming up.

"But I feel good about that room. It's a good, solid room."

Moore was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State in 2012. He has never dressed for a game, but showed steady progression in practice and the preseason. That's particularly true of his arm strength and intellect.

That crescendoed last preseason, when he outplayed Orlovsky in all four games. He completed 35 of 51 passes, good for a 68.7 percent clip. Orlovsky's was 63.2 percent.

Moore had three touchdowns and no picks. Orlovsky had no picks, but no touchdowns either.

Moore's passer rating was 108.4. Orlovsky's was 80.7.

Yet Orlovsky continued to operate as the No. 2 quarterback, both in practice and the exhibitions, while Moore was buried at No. 3.

General manager Martin Mayhew said he would like to see Moore get some more significant action this offseason.

"He just continues to perform well when he has opportunities to play," Mayhew said. "He and Ryan Broyles are a lot alike, in that when they get in the game, they make plays. And you like that about those guys.

"I'd like to see Kellen get a little more extensive action this preseason."

Asked if Moore could legitimately battle for the No. 2 job, Mayhew said there are competitions at every position, "especially in March." He said the No. 2 job was open last year, as far as he was concerned.

But Caldwell never talked that way last year, continuing to support Orlovsky as Stafford's backup, and played him that way.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Moore receive some more meaningful snaps this offseason, as the Lions determine just what his future is.

"Guys that throw the ball accurately? Guys that understand the system? Guys that can think on their feet? They all have a chance in most systems," Caldwell said. "He may not be as tall as some guys, but he's got some qualities that you really like.

"We'll see how it goes, but he's been developing. He's smart. Works hard. Coach's son. The whole bit. Kellen is a good prospect."

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