The Detroit Lions said reports circulating that quarterback Joey Harrington's job is in jeopardy are not true, Local 4 reported.

The Lions backed up their starting quarterback, saying he's shown improvement and that the team is not planning on parting ways with Harrington, the station reported.

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A report from Booth Newspapers indicated that the Lions were considering releasing Harrington in late February, before paying him a scheduled $3 million roster bonus,

Harrington is scheduled to be paid a $3 million signing bonus on March 1, on top of his nearly $5 million salary. The 26-year-old quarterback will also receive an additional $2.2 million from his prorated original $13 million signing bonus, Local 4 reported.

The report stated that Lions president Matt Millen wanted to bring Harrington back, but the team's offensive coaching staff was interested in pursuing other options.

Harrington will cost the team $10 million, or about 12 percent, of its salary cap for 2005.

The Lions'recently retired offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis wrote letters to his former bosses, saying the Lions can't win with Harrington, according to the report.

Lewis told Local 4 that he did not write any such correspondence.

Local 4 asked Harrington two weeks ago if he felt he has won over coach Steve Mariucci.

"I kind of hope not, because if he thinks this is as good as I can be then we've got different problems," Harrington said. "I know there's more that I can and need to do for this football team."