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Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew told reporters right after the season that quarterback Matthew Stafford faced too much pressure from the interior of the offensive line in 2012 and that was an area in particular the team needed to address.

Starting right guard Stephen Peterman was released not too long after those comments and long-time center Dominic Raiola has since restructured his contract.

Second-year player Riley Reiff is expected to start somewhere along the offensive line next year and there’s the potential for two, or even three, additional new starters upfront for the Lions in 2013.

It appears any additions via free agency would make more sense improving the interior of the offensive line with tackles Jeff Backus, Riley Reiff and Corey Hilliard under contract and the expectation the team will offer a restricted free agent tender to Jason Fox.

The Lions have some options on their current roster in Bill Nagy and Rodney Austin to fill the right guard spot. They could also shift Reiff inside and start Fox at right tackle.

Position: Offensive line

Lions under contract: Jeff Backus, Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola, Riley Reiff, Corey Hilliard, Rodney Austin, Bill Nagy

Lions free agents: Gosder Cherilus, Dylan Gandy, Don Muhlbach, Jason Fox (Restricted)

Who’s out there: Andy Levitre, Louis Vasquez, Brandon Moore, Fernando Velasco, Donald Thomas, Chad Rinehart, Matt Slauson, Geoff Schwartz

Analysis: Levitre and Vasquez are the head of the class. Levitre, 26, is young and versatile, capable of starting at any of the three interior line spots. He’s also proven to be very durable, starting every game of his pro career.

There's a minor injury history with Vasquez, but he appeared in all 16 games in 2012 and the 25-year-old has 54 starts under his belt.

Moore, 32, isn't a long-term solution, but he’s started every game over the last eight years for the Jets.

Schwartz (6-6, 335) visited the Lions last offseason before signing with the Vikings, where he served in a reserve role. There’s some familiarity there.