Lions GM Martin Mayhew says the team has had "very productive conversations" with free agent MLB Stephen Tulloch. "We're very hopeful we can reach an agreement with him sometime soon," Mayhew said at a fan event Monday. "I plan on talking with his agent tonight or tomorrow and we'll keep trying to get that done." After scanning the market for cheaper alternatives, the Lions appear ready to re-up their 2011 tackle leader.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports that the Lions are making a "strong push" to re-sign free agent Stephen Tulloch. The Lions have flirted with free agent MLB David Hawthorne, but they'd prefer to have Tulloch back. Tulloch is rumored to be seeking D'Qwell Jackson money. The Lions probably won't pay that -- especially in a virtually untouched and still-rich inside linebacker market -- but they don't want him to get away.

The Detroit Free Press reports the Lions still hope to re-sign free agent MLB Stephen Tulloch. Tulloch has yet to so much as even line up a visit in free agency, so it could be a while before he comes off the market. Reportedly seeking a deal greater than the five-year, $42.5 million extension signed by D'Qwell Jackson last month, Tulloch could be misreading the market for the second time in as many years.

Free agent MLB Stephen Tulloch is reportedly seeking a long-term deal that will top that of Browns MLB D'Qwell Jackson's five-year, $42.5 million contract. Jackson also landed $19 million in guarantees and bonuses. Tulluch settled for a one-year, $3.2 million contract last summer after misjudging his market. Tulloch is coming off a fine season, finishing 17th in the NFL in tackles, but he plays the wrong position. With a glut of inside linebackers available, NFL teams are slow-playing the market.

Free agent MLB Stephen Tulloch plans to test the open market. "My family and my situation going on, I just want to continue to play football and get what I deserve, and that's what it boils down to," Tulloch said in a Monday radio interview. "And hopefully, things can work out (in Detroit). If not, I know another team will step in there and do what's right and move forward to win some ballgames." The cap-strapped Lions will have a hard time signing Tulloch to a long-term deal if he reaches free agency.

According to the Detroit Free Press, MLB Stephen Tulloch appears "most destined" of the Lions' in-house free agents to reach the open market. The Lions have been trying to sign Tulloch to a long-term deal, but have made little headway. If Tulloch is allowed to walk, the Free Press expects the Lions to search for his replacement on the open market. Among the players expected to join Tulloch in a rich market for inside linebackers are Curtis Lofton, Dan Connor, David Hawthorne, London Fletcher and Joe Mays.

Profootballtalk.com reports that the Lions are "not close" to finalizing a deal with free agent MLB Stephen Tulloch. The Lions' plan is to sign Tulloch long term and franchise tag Cliff Avril, but talks with Tulloch haven't reached a breakthrough point. Tulloch is a top-four free agent amongst a quietly rich inside linebacker market. The 27-year-old is expected to draw interest from the Eagles if he hits the free agent waters.

The Philadelphia Inquirer expects the Eagles to fill their middle linebacker need in free agency rather than the draft. Boston College's Luke Kuechly is a popular mock draft pick for Philly, but they won't be taking him if they sign a veteran starter. The Inquirer suggests Stephen Tulloch, who has played behind Wide-9 schemes his entire career. The Eagles run the same system. "How [the Eagles] didn't get this guy last year is beyond me," said one NFL scout of Tulloch. "They may have to pay this time."

In addition to DE Cliff Avril, the Lions have begun contract talks with free agents MLB Stephen Tulloch, LT Jeff Backus, and CB Eric Wright. 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 Philadelphia Daily News suggests free agent MLB Stephen Tulloch as a potential offseason target for the Eagles. The Eagles are desperate for linebackers that can shed blocks and tackle, and Tulloch has spent his entire career behind Wide-9 schemes. Having just turned 27, Tulloch is likely to pursue a long-term deal after playing on a one-year, $3.25 million contract in Detroit last season. The Lions also want him back.