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Detroit Lions: 10 Players Who Could Be Gone in 2017

By Zac Snyder

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view of Ford Field during the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. Detroit won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; A general view of Ford Field during the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams. Detroit won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) rushes as Detroit Lions tackle Riley Reiff (71) blocks during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) rushes as Detroit Lions tackle Riley Reiff (71) blocks during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Riley Reiff

Perhaps the most interesting Lions-related contract situation next offseason is with Riley Reiff. How highly do the Lions value him? How highly would other NFL teams value him on the free agent market? How highly does Reiff value himself? There aren’t any clear answers to those questions right now.

The Lions certainly didn’t have any problem quickly moving him from left tackle to right tackle after drafting Taylor Decker. However, the move has paid off as Decker has played very well and Reiff has solidified what was previously a major weak spot on the Lions’ offensive line.

Reiff is not signed beyond this season and is making $8 million on the option year that comes with being a former first round draft pick. That’s a little rich compared to right tackle market set by recent deals to Mitchell Schwartz, Ryan Schraeder and Marcus Cannon, who are more around $6-6.5 million annually.

If Reiff still fancies himself a left tackle and there is a team out there that agrees, he might find a bigger deal. Or, it might be that the Lions would rather redirect the resources it would take to re-sign Reiff even to a modest deal to extensions for players like Matthew Stafford and Ziggy Ansah. Remember, letting Reiff walk could lead to a compensatory draft pick.

Next: Top 10 Defensive Backs In Detroit Lions History

The Reiff situation could play out any number of ways, and may hinge on how ready the Lions feel Corey Robinson is to hold down the right tackle spot on a full time basis.

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