Agent: Detroit looks 'great' to Nate Washington
The first day of free agency is far from over, but the Lions appear to have one new player, and could add another one or two soon. In addition to the reported signing of RB Maurice Morris, it sounds like they're closing in on a deal for WR Nate Washington, who was the first free agent in for a visit today in Allen Park.
Washington's agent, Brian Overstreet, called the Lions "a great opportunity" for his client in a phone interview earlier this evening, and he said Washington, whose home with his mom, Lisha, in Toledo, didn't have any other visits scheduled at the moment.
"We feel good about what (Lions general manager) Martin Mayhew is doing there," Overstreet said. "With Daunte Culpepper there, an accomplished quarterback, and the potential to get one in the draft, they're building. They're building something special. And we see a lot of opportunity there for Nate to flourish."
Coming off a career-best season -- 40 catches, 631 yards and three touchdowns -- Washington is looking for a bigger role after spending the last three seasons as the No. 3 receiver behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes in Pittsburgh. The idea of playing alongside Calvin Johnson is certainly a selling point in Detroit.
"I mean, they potentially can be one of the top 3-4 combinations in this league," Overstreet said. "And I think he can be an important piece of the puzzle for the Lions."
We'll probably know if the pieces have fallen into place by tomorrow afternoon, if not sooner.
