ALLEN PARK -- Whether you agree with the players the team is spending its cap space on or not, the Detroit Lions front office deserves praise for having a solid gauge of the market and using that knowledge to execute a fiscally responsible offseason plan.

The Lions entered free agency with less spending money than nearly every other franchise, and no realistic shot of signing All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a long-term extension to create a windfall of additional funds.

Still, general manager Martin Mayhew expressed supreme confidence last month in being able to accomplish the team's roster goals in free agency.

When the market opened, the Lions stood still, watched and waited. If Twitter, talk radio and online comments on our stories are the pulse of the fan base, there was unquestioned panic and consternation.

The first move the team made was agreeing to a long-term extension with running back Joique Bell. It wasn't necessary, as the team retained his rights next season regardless, but the three-year deal at a reasonable rate gives the Lions two additional years of control with the up-and-coming back.

On day two, Detroit secured the services of one of the top options at a position of need -- inking wide receiver Golden Tate to a five-year contract.

Tate isn't a retread or a veteran on the decline. He's a steadily improving player entering his prime. His annual salary checks in just over $6 million, nearly half what the Miami Dolphins paid Mike Wallace last season and 50 percent lower than what the Vikings gave Greg Jennings.

The Lions' latest splash was the re-signing of Brandon Pettigrew, something the organization openly committed to doing last month. While the full breakdown of the deal is not yet available, the four-year, $16 million pact is clearly another bargain.

Pettigrew's average salary of $4 million ranks 15th among tight ends and is significantly lower than what Baltimore committed to Dennis Pitta (five-years, $32 million) a couple weeks earlier.

The Lions also sought to lock up Pettigrew before he became a free agent, but declined to overpay. They gauged the market properly, allowed the tight end to test his value, and settled on a smaller contract than some -- including us -- expected.

Up next is safety James Ihedigbo. There are some small hurdles to clear here, but unless something unexpected happens (like his wife says no to Detroit), he'll likely sign in the coming days.

With approximately $10 million in cap space, the Lions are looking like they'll have locked up Bell long-term, found a perfect complement for Calvin Johnson, retained Pettigrew and filled a void at safety. They'll also have done it all without pushing debt into the future like they've done in the past.

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