Detroit Lions OTA’s Day 1 Update
By Nick Pursel
James Ihedigbo makes the right decsion
One of the bigger news stories of the Detroit Lions offseason was James Ihedigbo’s holdout.
He feels he is being undervalued and that his play on the field last year proves this. Ihedigbo had a very successful season last year, he was a pro bowl alternate and the 14th highest rated safety per Pro Football Focus with a +9.3 rating. His contract is only worth $1.6 million next year and considering his backup Isa Abdul Quddus is making $1.5 million he deserves a new contract.
Glover Quin and Ihedigbo formed one of the best safety tandems in the NFL last year and they should both be compensated for their play.
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions strong safety James Ihedigbo (32) and outside linebacker Ashlee Palmer (58) react during the game against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Instead of continuing his holdout, further damaging relations between him and the team, Ihedigbo has decided to show up for OTA’s.
The Lions have shown they will reward players when they deserve it, so Ihedigbo just needs to be patient and get ready to play his best football next season.
This is a good sign that two sides are very close to a new contract that would lock Ihedigbo up for the next couple years. Although he is 31-years-old he has very limited wear and tear on his body(he has only started two full seasons) and should be a key contributor on the team for a couple more years.
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