Detroit’s Burning Question – Franchise Tags

The 2017 Offseason officially started on February 15 and half a dozen teams are using their franchise tags on essential players. Some huge names are expected to earn some huge numbers, and deservedly so. Some teams, like Detroit, aren’t projected to even use their tags this year.

Detroit hasn’t tagged any players since Cliff Avril in 2012. Arguments can be made on a few players, but will the Lions decide that any of these guys are worth the trouble? We’ll find out by next Wednesday if the following players will rank high enough on Detroit’s radar to garner a big enough contract.

Anquan Boldin

Of the 20 or so guys that hit free agency this year, Boldin may likely be the most coveted outside of the O-Line, even though he just moved to Detroit. He may be able to finagle a little more money out of his contract since he had good production last year, but given that he’s so near to the end of his career, Detroit will likely sign him to another one or two-year deal.

Andre Roberts

Roberts just moved to Detroit as well, signing a quick deal with the Lions last season. The 6-year vet didn’t pull in a huge contract, just $760,000 for the year, his worst payday since 2012. But given his fair numbers and some big plays in 2016, there might be a little more money on the table for him this year.

Larry Warford

While it’s difficult to find stats on offensive linemen, Warford was a name that stood out throughout the season. His current salary won’t break the bank for Detroit, but the Lions will give Warford the option before laying big money on the table.

Rafael Bush

Rafael Bush has a good salary worked out for himself. But after the year he had, he may want to go back to the negotiation table. His numbers won’t land him at the top of the list of this year’s available safeties, but he had his own personal best season and hopes are high that he can continue the rise in 2017.

Riley Reiff

Another member of the o-line was Riley Reiff. Reiff may be the biggest question mark for Detroit this year. Offensive linemen are as common need across the league. Reiff has a good deal worked out with the Lions. So if he’s able to work a deal with any other team, he’ll be in for a good payday. It’s incredibly unlikely that they’ll prevent him from testing free agency.

Related Story: Riley Reiff - Free Agency

Devin Taylor

As defensive linemen go, Devin Taylor’s year wasn’t good but it wasn’t bad. His stats put him in the middle of the pack in almost every slot. His market value is around $7,000,000, putting him at the top end of the list of players with the same demographics. Not much of a chance that he’ll test FA this year. Check out Taylor’s market value here.

Detroit is likely to keep most of their team whole this year. The biggest question marks in Reiff and Warford will be answered soon enough. In any case, the rest of the offseason will be rebuilding time for Detroit.

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