Detroit Lions News: Kenny Golladay hopes to remain with the organization

Detroit Lions star receiver Kenny Golladay says he’s committed to the organization.

Many, myself included, have been wondering why the Detroit Lions refused to place top receiver Kenny Golladay on the Injured Reserve list since he hasn’t appeared in a game since November 1st, where he’d been shutout on four targets and forced to leave the game with a hip injury.

Another significant concern had been wondering if Golladay was trying to preserve his body in hopes of striking a deal elsewhere this offseason knowing he’s set to join the majority of the Detroit Lions receiving crops in becoming a free agent. Injuries have derailed the encore performance we’d hoped to see just a year removed from seeing Golladay lead the league with 11 touchdowns in 2019.

Head coach Darrell Bevell quickly shot that notion down earlier in the week, mentioning that is simply not the case.

In an article published by the Detroit News, Bevell explains;

"“I can be clear that he’s not (making a business decision),” Bevell said. “The guy is competing, he’s working hard. The good thing for me is I’m in here every day. I get to see what he’s doing. I get to see what he’s putting his body through to try to get back for us and for his teammates. He’s doing that and that’s really what I can say. I love his competitiveness, I love what he’s trying to do, he’s just working with an injury that he’s trying to work through.”"

After much speculation, Golladay finally met with the media to describe his injury and potential future plans;

"“Kinda just gotta put it like they drafted me here, so I just want to show my loyalty,” Golladay said. “You know, they believed in me. … If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. Then I go somewhere else and ball out and play. But like I said, I’m a loyal person and of course I want to be here. I started my career here.”"

While Golladay mentioned that he’s a loyal person and would love to remain in Detroit, there are certainly a plethora of additional factors that are rarely mentioned.

Sure, the first is simple and brunt; money.  Will the next general manager be willing to spend upwards of $18-20 million per season to lock up Golladay?  The Detroit Lions will certainly have the space to do it, but heading into another rebuild, it begs the question if spending 10% of the team’s cap on a receiver is a wise thing to do.

Another factor is Matthew Stafford‘s status.

While money trumps all, whether Stafford remains with the club past this season’s conclusion will surely also play into Golladay’s decision.  For those of you who think it’s just about the money; maybe for some players but not all.  The direction of the franchise paired with quarterback-play also plays a role, especially for a receiver.

A receiver is paid on production.  Imagine having someone like Dwanye Haskins throwing you the football or Stafford.  Something tells me this may affect future earnings.

If the team opts to retain their franchise quarterback, perhaps Golladay will be open to signing a deal that is closer to $18 per season; without Stafford, it will take top-dollar or the franchise tag to keep the star receiver in Detroit.