The Lions have maintained for weeks they were going to be "selectively aggressive" in free agency, but how aggressive they can get remains to be seen.

It's highly unlikely the Lions will work out a new deal with quarterback Matthew Stafford to free up cap space by the start of the signing period at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

That means they have about $6 million in current cap room, plus whatever space they can create through restructures in the next few days, to fill a myriad of holes.

Defensive end Cliff Avril is fielding inquiries from interested teams, and the Lions might need to add two pass rushers to complete their defensive front. Cornerback Chris Houston has a contract offer on the table, but is testing the market. If Louis Delmas leaves, and that sounded like a distinct possibility Friday, the Lions could be looking at a completely revamped secondary. And on offense, they remain interested in adding a multi dimensional weapon like Reggie Bush.

Free-agent negotiations began quietly at midnight Saturday morning, and while deals can't be finalized yet, the Lions have a busy few days ahead as they try to fashion another playoff contender on a budget.

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