Martin Mayhew has said he wouldn’t rule out bringing linebacker Larry Foote back for next season.  Both he and coach Jim Schwartz know the impact that Foote had on the team — and not just on the field.

“Larry brought a lot to the table in terms of his leadership with that group, the things he did in our community, he’s a guy who wants to be in Detroit, that’s important,’’ Mayhew said.

Foote, who had spent his first seven years in the NFL in Pittsburgh, signed a one-year deal last May. One reason the Lions wanted him was for his leadership. Foote didn’t let them down.

Repeatedly through the season two rookies continuously praised Foote for helping them in their first NFL season. DeAndre Levy was such a good student he filled in at middle linebacker when Foote missed the last two games because of injury and he did a stellar job. Safety Louis Delmas never let an opportunity get by when he didn’t mention how much it meant to have the support of a veteran guy like Foote.

Mayhew said last week he’d had preliminary talks with Foote’s agent. It won’t break the bank to sign him (he made $1.5 million in 2009). It’d be a great first step for the 2010 season to get Foote under contract.
— PAULA PASCHE