The Facts: The Lions still are working on a long-term deal for Pettigrew, but if they don’t have one in place by the time their exclusive negotiating window ends Saturday — and as of now, odds are they won’t — they’re comfortable letting their top tight end test free agency.

Diehards Line: The Lions decided against using the franchise tag on Pettigrew. Although GM Martin Mayhew said at the combine that re-signing Pettigrew was a priority and that the 2009 first-round pick fit new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system. But considering the deal Dennis Pitta got from the Baltimore Ravens last week (five years, $32 million), Free Press staffer Dave Birkett believes Pettigrew could end up out of the Lions’ price range as a free agent. Pettigrew, 29, caught just 41 passes for 416 yards last season, but he’s a capable blocker who rarely came off the field.