Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com reports that the Lions are likely to release quarterback Jon Kitna soon.

It has been confirmed that Kitna will be owed a $1 million roster bonus shortly after the opening of free agency on Feb. 27. The source said the team, barring any unforeseen circumstances, has already decided not to pay the bonus and will release Kitna.

The Lions are still in the process of trying to find a trade partner for Kitna and that’s why Schwartz kept up appearances today when asked about him. Still, Schwartz indicated there could be some changes at the quarterback position.

If — when? — Kitna is released, the Lions will have three quarterbacks on the roster — Daunte Culpepper, Drew Stanton and Drew Henson. Lions president Tom Lewand said on Tuesday the Lions are still trying to work out a deal to sign Dan Orlovsky, who becomes an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27.

It’s highly doubtful the Lions find a suitor to take Kitna, so he’ll likely be cut over the next week or so. That means Detroit essentially plans on Culpepper being the starter and Stanton as a developmental backup. I highly doubt Henson makes it to the 2009 season on the roster.

This is just speculation, but cutting Kitna could mean that the Lions are preparing to select Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick in the draft. Stafford, who has the best physical tools in the draft outside of Kansas State’s Josh Freeman, could sit behind Culpepper for a season until the offensive line is rebuilt. I know some Lion fans would love to see the team draft one of the top offensive tackles (Virginia’s Eugene Monroe or Baylor’s Jason Smith) or Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry, but if new GM Martin Mayhew sees a franchise-type signal caller in Stafford, he’ll likely bite.