Detroit Lions free agency predictions: Tahir Whitehead
By Zac Snyder
Tahir Whitehead was displaced when the Detroit Lions drafted Jarrad Davis but was the team’s best linebacker in 2017. Will he return or is his time up?
Tahir Whithead‘s future with the Detroit Lions was put into doubt when the team drafted Jarrad Davis in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft and immediately installed him as the new starting linebacker, bumping Whitehead back to the outside. Whitehead was never a natural middle linebacker but did a good job there filling in for an injured Stephen Tulloch in 2014. The promising start didn’t last, leading the Lions to draft Davis last April.
But while Whitehead was “replaced” in the midddle, he maintained his role in the defense overall as the move was a positive for player and team alike. After grading out as one of the worst linebackers in the rankings at Pro Football Focus, Whitehead finished last season ranked 25th.
The bounce-back season should keep Whitehead from being viewed as a player on his way out now that he’s reached the end of his current contract. The Lions may have signaled their future in drafting Davis and fourth-round pick Jalen Reeves-Maybin, but their present is not so clear if Whitehead is not in the picture.
Ziggy Ansah and Haloti Ngata are two bigger names heading toward free agency but the decision with Whitehead may be just as important for the Lions defense in 2018. Will he stay or will he go? There are points be be made either way.