Detroit Lions free agency predictions: Travis Swanson

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Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions calls the play behind teammate center Travis Swanson during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on October 9, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

Why he could stay

After a breakout season in 2016, Swanson’s play took a step back this season. But Swanson was just one piece of an offensive line that was a disappointment overall. The unit was such a disappointment that it cost offensive line coach Ron Prince his job. Prince was the only assistant fired when Jim Caldwell was relieved of his duties as head coach.

Man have I heard some, shall we say, unkind words about ex-Lions OL coach Ron Prince this week.
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) February 1, 2018

It’s clear Bob Quinn has levied a lot of blame on Prince for what transpired during the 2017 season. If Quinn is willing to bank on Swanson’s 2016 being more indicative of what he can do than what we saw in 2017, a return could be in order.

Letting Swanson walk means filling a spot on the offensive line. Graham Glasgow is in place to take over, but then that leaves a hole at left guard to be filled. Depth was already a huge problem for the Lions before adding any offseason replacements into the equation.

Swanson’s injury history and uneven play last season could make for an opportunity to bring him back on a low cost, or incentive-laden contract. If the price is right and there is a need for depth anyway, it’s a possibility worth considering.

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