Baxter signs Foote

The Lions have officially signed linebacker Larry Foote to a 1-year contract. Not exactly an earth-shattering move, but this is the kind of signing that can the lift sloppy drunkard that is the Detroit Lions up off the barroom floor and drag them slowly toward the front door of respectability.

Signings like Larry Foote are what take teams from last place to the playoffs. Obviously, I'm not saying that the Lions are going to make the playoffs this season, but I am saying that veterans like Foote are invaluable to the development of players like Ernie Sims, Jordan Dizon, and Louis Delmas. Rebuilding teams can't be made up completely of "unready" young players, nor can they be made up of only "past-ready" players. In order to rebuild, you need to stock the pantries with young talent and then supplement that with guys who can keep the seats warm until the young guys are ready to take over. Foote isn't going to be a great middle linebacker for the Lions, but he will be good enough to force younger players to the bench, and ultimately aid in their development. Although this one kind of fell into his lap, I've got to give Martin Mayhew credit for yet another surprisingly smart move.

Once again, good boy Baxter.