The Browns and the agents for Josh Cribbs are close to finally completing a deal for the Pro Bowl kick returner.

The Lions spoke with the Chargers about a possible trade for former first-round pick Antonio Cromartie but, despite their need for a corner, Detroit is unlikely to consummate a deal when the league year begins March 5.

The Lions have been in discussions with the Chargers about acquiring CB Antonio Cromartie in a trade, according to a league source.

A number of teams will use the NFL Scouting Combine not only as a way to look at new players, but hopefully hammer out some contract details with potential free agents.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz just addressed reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine media center and said the team is willing to move its first-round draft pick (No. 2 overall) if the right trade presents itself.

The Detroit Lions are actively shopping the second overall pick in April’s draft, according to a league source, and would be very comfortable trading down, looking to stockpile three or four assets.

Expect the Lions not to focus on one particular position when they draft No. 2 overall in April.

According to the Dayton Daily News, the Bengals will use newly-acquired Matt Jones as a tight end.

An offseason priority for the Detroit Lions is upgrading the running game. How that plays out is anyone’s guess.

Steve Smith says the Panthers could use some help in the form of a speedy receiver to compliment his game.

Vikings CB Cedric Griffin had some good news Friday, telling the Minneapolis Star Tribune that surgery to fix the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee “went pretty well.”

Torry Holt enjoyed some of his best years under Mike Martz’s tutelage in St. Louis. So now that Holt has been released by the Jaguars and Martz is the Bears’ offensive coordinator, should we expect a reunion in Chicago?

Free-agent WR Donte’ Stallworth will work out for the Lions on Thursday, NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi reported on NFL Total Access.

Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, did not post impressive statistics, but what he did do was provide the downtrodden club with some hope.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz announced Wednesday that Drew Stanton will make his first NFL career start this weekend against the 49ers, keeping veteran backup Daunte Culpepper on the bench.