ALLEN PARK — Nick Fairley has been a huge question mark since the Lions did not pick up his fifth-year option 10 months ago.

That question may now have an answer.

The Lions are out of the Fairley free agency sweepstakes according to a report from Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

The Lions never said they wouldn’t re-sign the defensive tackle, but they would only do so at the right price.

On Feb. 18, GM Martin Mayhew said he could envision two things. One, the Lions bringing back both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Two, moving forward with neither one.

Put your money on the second scenario.

Suh is preparing to sign a mega-deal with the Miami Dolphins.

Fairley, a first-round draft pick in 2011, played 46 games for the Lions over four seasons. He started eight games in 2014 before sitting out the rest of the season with a knee injury. He was expected to visit the Cincinnati Bengals today. 

The Lions made a trade with the Ravens on Tuesday for 31-year-old All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. 

They still have needs at the defensive tackle position.  

C.J. Mosley, who started eight games in 2014, also became a free agent on Tuesday. As did Andre Fluellen.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)