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A quick look at the Lions' cuts

Shaun Smith's a mild surprise on the Lions' cut list, since he'd been starting next to Grady Jackson for most of the preseason. His attitude and work ethic keeps getting in the way, apparently. (Probably didn't help himself with that postgame stunt with Browns GM George Kokinis.)

That said, rather than paying him a $350K roster bonus -- and remember, vets' salaries (his was $1 million for '09) get guaranteed if they're on the opening-weekend roster -- they kept Ikaika Alama-Francis and Orien Harris, guys who could be cut loose at any point to make room for a waiver claim or a free agent.

Same goes for Adam Jennings, who beat out Dane Looker and John Standeford for that fifth WR spot. He's got some special teams value and actually made a couple big plays as a receiver in the preseason. But there's plenty of (better) WR options out there for the Lions right now. (Baltimores' Yamon Figurs is an intriguing waiver wire option, perhaps.)

The Lions kept five CBs, but again, Cletis Gordon's a three-year guy who's basically on an extended tryout, though he also is a pretty decent special teams player. (I said earlier I think they'll strongly consider claiming the Vikes' Marcus McCauley. Jacksonville's Tyron Brackenridge, who was with KC the last couple years, is another guy who might get a look.) Chris Roberson got hurt in the final preseason game -- hamstring, according to Schwartz on Friday -- so he'll get an injury settlement if he wants, I'd imagine.

All three seventh-round draft picks -- Lydon Murtha, Zach Follett and Dan Gronkowski -- were cut today, but that was expected. I'd be surprised if at least one or two -- maybe even all three -- weren't back on the practice squad.

I figured they'd keep the four QBs, at least until Stanton's healthy, or until they make a move there -- possibly putting Stanton on IR? (Schwartz keeps saying that's unlikely, but who knows?) O'Connell got a long workout with the receivers Friday and, as expected, showed enough for them to keep him around for awhile.

Don't read too much into the Billy Cundiff release. The team is still hoping Hanson will be ready for the season opener, but if he's not, the Lions can re-sign Cundiff if needed. (Updated 9:45 p.m.)