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Can the Detroit Lions make another big splash in free agency? The team needs a safety and has shown early interest in Cleveland's T.J. Ward.

(AP File Photo)

As free agency approached last year, the Detroit Lions seemingly had no funds to work with. But with one simple move, restructuring the contract of star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the team cleared enough salary cap space to make several notable signings.

This offseason, after releasing veterans Nate Burleson and Louis Delmas -- combined with a hefty 8.1 percent jump in the league's cap -- Detroit will have more than $10 million to spend on roster upgrades once the signing period opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Keep in mind, the Lions needed a little more than $9 million in cap space last year to add running back Reggie Bush, safety Glover Quin, defensive end Jason Jones and defensive tackle C.J. Mosley, while re-signing cornerback Chris Houston.

The Lions have plenty of holes to address in the coming months, particularly at safety and wide receiver. The team also could stand to upgrade its depth at cornerback and defensive end.

"There are a bunch of receivers in free agency and a bunch of receivers in the draft, too," general manager Martin Mayhew said. "It's a very deep position. It's not quite as deep as safety, but there are a lot of corners in free agency and safeties, too. So we will look at all those markets -- free agency and the draft -- for anything we need. I think there will be quality players out there that will help us win football games."

Starting in 2013, the league instituted a policy allowing teams to contact agents three days before the official start of free agency. Over the weekend, the Lions formally expressed interest in two of the top defensive backs on the market, Cleveland safety T.J. Ward and Tennessee cornerback Alterraun Verner.

There figures to be stiff competition for both players, and it's possible -- perhaps even likely -- the Lions will fail to land either. Still, it's clear the team is intent on making a splash.

Detroit also has multiple players hitting the market it hopes to retain. The team's top priority on that front is tight end Brandon Pettigrew. A first-round draft pick in 2009, he's developed into an important cog in the Lions' offense.

"We had our free agent meeting and the coaches liked him, liked what he can do," Mayhew said. "He's an all-around guy."

The team also aims to bring back veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis and starting defensive end Willie Young.

While the Lions do have more cap space this offseason, so does the majority of NFL teams. Multiple players, including cornerback Sam Shields and defensive end Everson Griffen, have been awarded larger than expected contracts by their teams this offseason prior to hitting the open market.

Maybe these deals are anomalies, but more likely they reflect the current and anticipated future growth of the salary cap.

If needed, the Lions can still clear more cap room. While it won't create as much space as Suh's deal last season, the team can restructure Calvin Johnson's contract to free up a few million.

As for Suh, he's entering the final year of his rookie contract. The team is eager to sign him to a long-term extension, but those talks had been delayed while the defensive tackle changed agents. Now that he's settled on representation, the sides can resume working toward a deal.

Given the anticipated magnitude of Suh's next contract, it's unlikely the sides will work out a pact in the next few days. But if an agreement is reached, it could clear several million more in cap space, potentially allowing the team to do some bargain shopping with players still lingering on the market.

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