Detroit Lions free agency predictions: Travis Swanson
By Zac Snyder
Travis Swanson looked like a breakout player in 2016 but took a severe step back in 2017. With his contract up, what does his Detroit Lions future hold?
The change of a season means some change to the roster. One of the decisions the Detroit Lions will have heading into 2018 is with Travis Swanson. After being drafted by the previous front office in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Swanson has played out his rookie contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins next month.
Swanson was drafted to be the heir apparent to Dominic Raiola, and he has stepped in as the full time starting center following Raiola’s retirement. However, Swanson’s development has been uneven.
He stepped in as an injury replacement at guard and center as a rookie before taking over in year two. Year three saw Swanson become one of the bright spots on the offensive line before having his season cut short due to a concussion. Year four failed to see that development continue and Swanson was once again unable to finish a season because of a concussion.
Add in the presence of Graham Glasgow, one of Bob Quinn’s first draft picks as Lions general manager and Swanson’s future with the team has been murky at best for some time now.
That being said, how the Lions should approach Swanson’s impending free agency isn’t necessarily an easy decision. A case can be made to re-sign him or to let him walk in free agency. So what will happen?