Lions general manager Martin Mayhew met with beat reporters this afternoon to introduce new senior personnel executive James "Shack" Harris. Naturally, the topic of conversation turned to other matters. Mayhew said the Lions will use the franchise tag on kicker Jason Hanson if a contract is not agreed upon by the Feb. 19 deadline to designate players as such.

"I think we'll get something done prior to that," Mayhew said. "If we don't then we'll franchise Jason."

Other notes:

• Mayhew said negotiations also are under way to bring back guard Stephen Peterman and fullback Moran Norris.

• As for the release of cornerback Leigh Bodden last week, Mayhew said "100 percent" of that decision was contract related. Still, he said was "happy" with the decision to extend Bodden's contract last summer to include an $8.6-million roster bonus. "I'm happy that we did it, happy that we know kind of where we are with him and there's some good players out there who can play that position," Mayhew said.

• Mayhew also said "there's a possibility" that both Daunte Culpepper and Jon Kitna return next season. Culpepper is due a $2.5-million roster bonus in the coming weeks, Kitna is due a $500,000 bonus.