Lions Likely To Cast Off Qb Krieg

Quarterback Dave Krieg would like to be back and the Lions would like to have him back, but don’t count on it.

The Lions have told Krieg, in effect, that Scott Mitchell remains their No. 1 quarterback and Krieg is not high on the list of free agents they can afford to keep.

Krieg, who played last year for $825,000, salvaged the season by directing the Lions to five victories in the final seven regular-season games after Mitchell, their $11.1-million starter, suffered a season-ending hand injury in the ninth game.

Schmidt said the decision not to offer Krieg a larger contract is based on the NFL salary cap, which has been increased about $2 million to $36.5 million this year.

Krieg is among 19 Lions who will become unrestricted free agents next Friday.

“I think Wayne (Fontes) would like to have him back, but Wayne also said Mitchell is our starter,” Schmidt said. “That is the deal. Having said that to Krieg’s agent, they understand what our plan is.”

Krieg might understand the Lions’ situation but his agent, Seattle attorney Jim Smith, said the 15-year NFL veteran is disappointed.

“Dave would like to play for Detroit,” Smith said. “It’s kind of frustrating because I think Dave really was a big part in salvaging the season and turning it around. I think the dilemma is that there’s an awful lot invested in Mitchell both in terms of dollars and in terms of energy, whatever type of energy it takes to lay out that kind of money and say you’re going to build your team around him.”

xxxx