Why the Detroit Lions Should Keep Matthew Stafford
By Eric Ranes
Manny Ramirez – Unrestricted Free Agent, $3 million contract
Oct 5, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions center Taylor Boggs (65) and guard Manny Ramirez (63) participate in pre game warmups against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Detroit, 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
What seemed like a great trade on draft day for the Lions turned mildly confusing when they took Laken Tomlinson with the acquired pick as well as projected Travis Swanson to be the starter for this team. Ramirez turned in average performances right away when Larry Warford when down with an early season high ankle sprain, proving why backups are important. At 32 years old, Ramirez has never been outstanding and has been a serviceable starter in the league.
Mackenzy Bernadeau, backup center for the Cowboys, and Evan Mathis, aged 34 and performing well at guard, both reside in this salary range as well. So, it seems that on the offensive line, you can essentially get a strong backup or a fringe or stop-gap starter.
Next: Is that all? No, not quite