Detroit Lions: NFL schedule release date; Stafford contract status; Super Bowl bid and more

Amidst a torn-apart Ford Field, the Detroit Lions welcomed season ticket holders to ask questions of Rod Wood, Bob Quinn and Jim Caldwell on Thursday night. (Oakland Press photo/Paula Pasche)

By Paula Pasche | The Oakland Press

PUBLISHED: April 13, 2017 at 10:37 p.m. | UPDATED: June 17, 2021 at 6:32 a.m.

DETROIT >> With the NFL draft just two weeks away, it was a good time for Lions management to meet with fans.

Team president Rod Wood, general manager Bob Quinn and coach Jim Caldwell answered questions at a season ticket holders event on Thursday night at Ford Field.

After the panel discussion they also introduced the new Nike uniforms that pay respect to their heritage but in a modern way.

The Lions’ big three typically don’t share much inside information with the fans, but gave a little insight into what’s going on.

Here are five of the highlights:

1. The big secret is out. The NFL doesn’t usually release the announcement date of the NFL schedule much in advance. Wood was answering a question about uniforms when he casually mentioned the NFL schedule will be released on Thursday. Breaking news, right there.

2. The Lions are in the very early stages of contract extension talks with Matthew Stafford and his representatives. No doubt about it both Quinn and Caldwell want Stafford as their quarterback. “I said it early on … We could see on film the talent level he has, you have to respect how tough he is, his teammates love his leadership and he can make every throw. And he’s just scratching the surface of what (he can be),” Caldwell said. “Typically when you start to see gains in the fifth, sixth year you know you’ve got somebody special.” The goal is to have more of a run game this year which will make Stafford’s job so much easier.

3. Quinn was asked to grade himself for his first year. He wouldn’t do that, saying that was up to Martha Ford. “I’m satisfied with where the team is now but we have a lot of work to do,” Quinn said. While he appears to have a solid first draft a year ago, he said he will wait another year before he really evaluates it. He’s ready for the draft which starts on April 27. He’s been working on it since last May. “It’s not always the best 53, it’s the right 53,” Quinn said.

4. Workmen are going 24 hours a day at Ford Field on all the upgrades so they’ll be ready in four months for the preseason. One component is complete – the Wifi has been seriously upgraded. The big video boards are down and will be replaced by boards three times the size. The old speakers have been removed and the replacement has started. The ribbon boards will be replaced. Wood said every square inch of club and suite space is being redone.

5. Another Super Bowl at Ford Field? Maybe. “I would love to do that and I’ve indicated as much to the league that the next time Super Bowl bids are going to be considered, which I think starts in the fall, Detroit wants to be considered in that mix. I’ve also said it’s going to be a very competitive process,” Wood said, admitting it will be a very competitive process. “I think with what we’re doing to Ford Field and all the things that are going to happen and have happened recently in the city of Detroit, it would be great to showcase Detroit to the world.” He mentioned that Detroit will be the only city where all four pro teams – Lions, Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons – will play in the center of the city. He said estimates are that 25 million people will make visits to Detroit due to the four team.