The Detroit Lions roster for 2010 is the second step of a massive rebuilding effort for this team. After nearly ten years of mismanagement by former General Manager Matt Millen, the Detroit Lions were left with a roster of full of back up players.

The rebuild effort started in 2009 with the trade of WR Roy Williams for additional draft picks. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3643295 and has continued during the 2010 NFL free agent signing period, where the Lions have been very aggressive. http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-2566-Sports-Business-Examiner~y2010m3d17-NFL-Free-Agency-winners-and-loser-so-far

By the time the 2010 NFL season begins the Lions will have a roster of 53 players, 45 of whom can be active for any given game. They may also have up to eight players on their practice squad. http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=149&f=1764&t=1186834

After rebuilding a good chunk of their offense in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Lions focus in 2010 is on rebuilding their defense, especially their defensive secondary, and their defensive line.

In 2009 the Lions defense gave up a league worst 494 points. They also gave up 4,399 passing yards, and 2,025 rushing yards. http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2009.htm This underscores their need to rebuild the defense.