Detroit Lions: 5 most underpaid players on the roster

Anthony Zettel

Zettel is also one of those players who is outplaying their draft status. He is still playing under his rookie contract as a sixth-round draft choice. Zettel blasted his way to play in all 16 games last year and recorded 6.5 sacks in the process. He did tail off after Thanksgiving, but the value the Lions were getting from him before that was second to none.

Zettel’s cap hit is only $660,930 for this year per Spotrac.com. Then it is $750,933 the following year. He is the Lions’ 48th highest cap hit. For teams, only the highest 51 players count against the cap. The Lions have gotten tremendous value for a player who is barely qualifying as an accountable cap hit. He was also the Lions’ 10th most valuable player last year per PFR.

Zettel might not be the most athletic, but what he does offer is a high motor. With his versatility to play mostly anywhere along the defensive line, Coach Patricia shouldn’t have any issues finding him a spot where he will flourish.

If Zettel is able to polish the mistakes he made last year, he could be a vital piece to the Lions’ defensive line at a premier position on a cheap price tag.