Lions clean out lockers, look to build on season

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) - 165 days ago, the Lions opened training camp.

Monday, they cleaned out their lockers and left Allen Park proud, accomplished, but looking forward.

"We took some strides this year," wide receiver Calvin Johnson said. "But there's some things we see that we can improve on."

Johnson was part of a record-breaking offense that saw quarterback Matthew Stafford become only the fourth passer ever to surpass 5,000 yards through the air in one season.

The defense, on the other hand, proved to be the Lions achilles heel down the stretch.

"The strides we made this year from last year is a sign of where we are and where we need to go," linebacker DeAndre Levy said.

"The fact of the matter, I'm a part of a team that made the playoffs, and a team that had a winning season," cornerback Alphonso Smith said.

Those are things that hadn't been heard in Detroit for a long time before this season. To keep that success going, the Lions will need to add key parts in free agency, and they're also faced with contract negotiations with some of their most important players.

Defensive end Cliff Avril posted career highs this season with 11 sacks, 29 solo tackles and forced fumbles. The Lions face the decision of letting him walk, placing the franchise tag on him, or signing a long-term deal.

"I'm meeting with everyone like I want to be here next year," Avril said. "I'm preparing like I'm gonna be here. It's, like I've said, up to them."

Stephen Tulloch, Jeff Backus, and Eric Wright are also free agents this offseason. Calvin Johnson has one year left on his contract and the team will likely look to lock up the record-breaking receiver to a long-term deal.

The Lions will take a deep breath and step away from football. But Brandon Pettigrew said the team is already eager to get back to work. Pettigrew said the team reached the playoffs with a hard-working attitude.

It's an attitude, he says, they hope to be the team's label going forward.

Now, the Lions have no choice but to wait.

Until minicamp in April.

Brad Galli is a Sports Reporter at WXYZ. Follow Brad on Twitter @BradGalli