MLive's Justin Rogers believes second-round OLB Kyle Van Noy will steal the majority of Ashlee Palmer's defensive snaps.

While not official, this move would make sense for the Lions. Palmer was serviceable in his first season as a starter but lacks the upside and playmaking ability of Van Noy. Palmer will still contribute on special teams and as the first linebacker off the bench.

Ashlee Palmer has essentially won the left outside linebacker job.

The Lions haven't made it official yet, but Palmer has exclusively been working with the first-team defense and has started each of the two preseason games. Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis have settled into backup roles. Palmer, a veteran special teamer, is now only on the punt coverage team. He's going to line up next to Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy come Week 1.

The Lions' website considers Ashlee Palmer the leading candidate for Lions' strongside linebacker job.

Limited to special teams his first four seasons, Palmer is competing with Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead for a starting role. He remains the slight favorite based on his experience, but Lewis has been working with first-team defense during OTAs the last three weeks.

Ashlee Palmer doesn't want to give up his role on special teams if he earns the Lions' starting left outside linebacker job.

Palmer played 65.4 percent of the Lions' snaps on special teams snaps last season, tied for most on the team. His play earned him a two-year extension. "I'm still a die-hard special-teams guy, but just a little more added to my plate and planning on taking on the challenge." Palmer is competing with Tahir Whitehead and Travis Lewis to replace Justin Durant.

Coach Jim Schwartz mentioned LB Ashlee Palmer as someone who might fill the vacant strong-side linebacker position.

Justin Durant is a free agent, and it doesn't appear that he'll be back. Palmer, 27 next month, started two games at weak-side linebacker last season while also being a special teams stalwart, and he was rewarded with a two-year extension at the end of the year. He recorded 24 tackles and a forced fumble in 16 games.

Lions signed LB Ashlee Palmer to a two-year contract extension.

Palmer will earn a base salary of $1 million in 2013, and then $1.25 million in 2014. The 26-year-old backup outside linebacker appeared in all 16 games this past season and recorded 24 tackles, mainly as a special teams contributor. Both of Detroit's starting outside 'backers, DeAndre Levy and Justin Durant, are scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason.

Lions re-signed LB Ashlee Palmer to a one-year contract.

Palmer wasn't tendered as a restricted free agent, so he's likely returning for a $615,000 minimum deal. A special teamer and backup, Palmer started seven games in his first two seasons but was only a reserve linebacker last year.

Yahoo Sports reports restricted free agent LB Ashlee Palmer will be non-tendered.

The Detroit Free Press confirms that the Lions may go with an outside linebacking duo of Ashlee Palmer and Bobby Carpenter in 2011.

"Both those guys have played well enough, and there's enough good tape of those guys playing in our system, to say those guys can be starters," were the words of GM Martin Mayhew. It's impossible to believe the Lions won't attempt to upgrade at the position once the CBA mess is sorted out, but it sounds like they are at least prepared to enter 2011 with two special teamers posing as starters.

GM Martin Mayhew suggested Friday that Ashlee Palmer and Bobby Carpenter will compete this year to start at outside linebacker.

In other words, it's a position of great need as the Lions enter the offseason. Both players improved down the stretch, but they're more suited to reserve/special teams roles.

Ashlee Palmer and newly signed Bobby Carpenter are expected to battle for Zach Follett's (neck) vacated weakside linebacker job going forward.

Special teamer Palmer will likely start this week, as he's been in Gunther Cunningham's scheme since the summer. The staff has taken a liking to Carpenter, though, so he should be given a shot as soon as he's ready.

Special teamer Ashlee Palmer is a prime candidate to start at middle linebacker for the Lions this week with DeAndre Levy (groin) and Landon Johnson (concussion) nursing injuries.

Johnson could start, but he'll have to gain clearance first. He's yet to practice this week. Another special teamer, Vinny Ciurciu, was signed this week for depth. It's a matchup upgrade for Ahmad Bradshaw on Sunday.