The Facts: Smith said he did not receive a tender offer from the Lions by today’s deadline, meaning he will be an unrestricted free agent whenever a new NFL collective bargaining agreement is in place. Though Smith still could re-sign with Detroit, that appears unlikely. “I’ve been hurt the last two years, so to me, it was more of a business decision,” Smith said.

Diehards Line:Smith played in only six games last year after he was slow returning from a 2009 knee injury. He finished the season on injured reserve with torn ligaments in his thumb. He said he’s as “healthy as I’ve ever been now” and looking forward to playing somewhere next year. ... Smith rushed for 1,856 yards and 12 touchdowns in three seasons with the Lions. A third-round pick in 2008, he was relegated to backup duty after the Lions drafted Jahvid Best last year. Without Smith, Free Press staffer Dave Birkett believes the Lions will be in the market for a power running option to complement Best this offseason. Best was limited by turf-toe injuries last year, and backup Maurice Morris has one year left on his contract.