ALLEN PARK -- In discussing the future of defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli said Tuesday there are only two options: Rogers will either be traded or he'll be reporting to the team's training camp in July.

When asked if there was any chance Rogers would be given his outright release during the off-season, Marinelli said "No."
There has been a lot of recent speculation -- including a report on ESPN2 last week -- that Rogers, who did not play well during Detroit's six-game losing streak, could get cut. Those rumors were fueled by the fact the Lions owe Rogers a $1 million roster bonus on March 2 and might try to dump him before paying the bonus.
Marinelli said the Lions will not cut Rogers but did not deny the possibility that the Lions would entertain a trade offer for him - or for veteran receiver Roy Williams.
"I think you have to listen in this league," Marinelli said. "Anytime you can make your team better, whoever it is - and it's not just those two guys - you've got to listen. If you've got a chance to improve your team, everybody listens. That's true with every team in the league."
The Lions have several vacancies on defense, including defensive end, linebacker and at least two cornerbacks. If the Lions do swing a deal for Rogers, they would prefer one or two veteran defensive players in return (including the possibility of a tackle to fill Rogers' void).
The Lions would also consider a trade for draft picks, depending on how high they are, but Marinelli made it clear that Detroit would not deal Rogers unless they received excellent value.
If the Lions can't get adequate compensation, Marinelli said Rogers will be playing his eighth NFL season as a Detroit Lion.
"That door will always stay open," Marinelli said. "This is the best year he's had, he practiced all year and didn't miss any games."
Rogers had a career-high seven sacks this season and was a dominant force as the Lions rolled to a 6-2 record at the halfway point. Beginning with the 31-21 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, though, Rogers' production plummeted. In Detroit's six-game losing streak, Rogers had just 17 tackles (only eight solo tackles), no sacks, no forced fumbles and no fumble recoveries.
While Rogers didn't participate in training camp because of knee problems, he missed almost no practice time and he played in all 16 games for the first time since 2004.
Whether Rogers stays or goes, Marinelli continues to maintain that character and a passion for playing football is at the top of his agenda in formulating a roster. Talking about his goal of putting together a playoff-caliber team, Marinelli said: "The bottom line, at the end of the day, is that you've got to have guys doing it your way.
"Even if you don't play well, you've got to play hard. If you don't, you become what you tolerate. If you tolerate poor practice habits, if you tolerate not finishing, if you tolerate lack of execution, that's what you become."