Eric

Wright

It could be a sign the Rams are planning to cut CB Ronald Bartell, who is due $6.2 million in 2012 after being limited to one game by a neck injury last season. The Detroit Free Press reported on Sunday the Lions are “working towards” re-signing Wright, so there’s a chance he’ll never reach free agency.

The Lions met with Wright’s agent on Saturday. Wright is hoping for a multi-year deal, but will likely receive few guarantees beyond 2012 after struggling mightily in coverage for the second straight season in 2011. In dire need of upgrading their secondary, there’s a good chance the cap-strapped Lions could use their No. 23 overall pick on a cornerback.

Wright is surprisingly drawing more initial interest than veteran Carlos Rogers. The 49ers are also reportedly in on Brandon Carr, though the Cowboys are determined to sign him before he leaves their facility. According to CSN Bay Area, the Niners are “going big” after Wright, and a decision is expected within 12 hours.

The Lions were hoping to keep Wright after starting all 16 games last season, but he drew immediate interest from the Bucs as well as the 49ers and Redskins. No. 38 on Profootballtalk’s Free Agent Hot 100, Wright can play outside or in the slot but has been toasted with frequency. He’s expected to step in as a starter in Tampa regardless of Aqib Talib’s standing with the league.

The fact that they haven’t gotten a deal done, however, suggests Wright is asking for more money than the Lions can afford. It sounds like the team will let Wright’s value be established by the open market. NBC Sports’ Gregg Rosenthal reported at the Combine that the Rams are expected to pursue Wright on March 13.

Tulloch will certainly be seeking a long-term deal, but the inside linebacker market is flooded this year, increasing his chances of re-signing. While it’s time for the Lions to find a long-term answer at left tackle, Backus is a good bet to return as the 2012 starter.

The Lions have already lost Eric Berry to injury and Chris Houston was inactive today. They don’t even have enough corners to field a normal nickel defense without Wright gutting this one out.

Wright made one of the more bizarre plays of the season in last Sunday’s loss to the Saints, essentially quitting on Meachem’s touchdown despite appearing to have 2-3 opportunities to make a tackle. Although he’s graded out as one of Pro Football Focus’ 10 worst cornerbacks through the season’s first 13 weeks, it appears Wright is keeping his starting job.

Wright avoided questions about the health issue, which required medication that reduced his energy and limited his participation in football drills. “I have just been in and out a little bit,” said Wright, “but most importantly I am here for the mini-camp and I feel good running around.”

The case has been dismissed. The Bucs are catching breaks left and Wright (pun intended), as LCB Aqib Talib also recently had his felony assault with a deadly weapon charge dismissed. Wright’s arrest was for felony DUI. It was his first brush with the law as an NFL player, so he won’t face any league discipline.