larry foote released - or not

UPDATE WHICH SUPERCEDES ALL PREVIOUS UPDATES:

Killer's now reporting that Foote has NOT been released, and while the speculation is that he'll be released after this weekend's minicamp as insurance against any injury to Timmons, that's far from a done deal.  More updates as they come . . .

As I tweeted a few minutes ago, the Steelers have released ILB Larry Foote.  Foote hails from the Detroit area, and a friend said several months ago that Larry always wanted to finish his career in Detroit.  Foote, however, immediately shot that notion down:

"That was one of my boys just talking stupid stuff in the paper," Foote said this week. "I think all players say that toward the tail end: 'I'll just end up going home and finish up there.' But that was just talk." ... "Would somebody want me? I don't know. I've never been a free agent. I've never been on the market," he said. "I don't know if the Lions even want me. My play hasn't dropped off, just my (playing) time has dropped off. I can be as productive as any linebacker in the league with the opportunity."

Huh.  Well, Larry, now you're a free agent, and you're on the market.  Let's see if the Lions even want you . . . I can't see how they wouldn't.  Foote would immediately fill the obvious hole in the middle of the defense.  Of course, just like Grady Jackson, Foote's at the tail end of his career.  This defense is desperately in need of a leader, someone to walk into that locker room and show all the greenhorns how to win in the NFL.  Foote's a polished veteran, a skilled leader who's as valuable off the field as on.  Moreover, he's spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers--arguably the toughest and classiest organization in football.  Even more, moreover, the man has a couple of rings.  This seems like a no-brainer.

UPDATE: John Niyo gets a cookie: Foote is now openly declaring the Lions his #1 choice, the leader in the clubhouse, and in talks with his agent.  Please, for the love of Bubbles/Blades/Beast, get this deal done!