Detroit Lions free agency predictions: Travis Swanson

The Detroit Lions have a decision to make on Travis Swanson's future. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions have a decision to make on Travis Swanson's future. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Houston Texans line up against Travis Swanson of the Detroit Lions.
Antonio Smith #94 of the Houston Texans lines up against Travis Swanson #64 of the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at NRG Stadium on October 30, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) /

Why he could be gone

Travis Swanson has now been a starter on the Lions’ offensive line for three seasons and his number of games started over that time is 14, 12 and 11. The injury concerns are real, especially considering Swanson’s history of concussions, which have forced him out of the end of the previous two seasons.

Regardless of what the Lions think about a potential return, Swanson may want to consider his future in the game and his life beyond it.

Bob Quinn talked up Graham Glasgow’s versatility after drafting him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft but he also directly mentioned Glasgow being competition for Swanson. He may not have wanted to say it from the beginning, but it sure felt like he was drafting his center of the future.

Glasgow has only played center as an injury replacement for Swanson but was actually an upgrade rather than just a replacement when filling in this season.

It’s true Ron Prince has been set up as a big fall guy for the offensive line but that doesn’t mean Swanson is off the hook for not at least playing up to his 2016 level.