Are the Detroit Lions stockpiling insurance for Damon Harrison?

One of the Detroit Lions’ most important defensive players is looking for a contract extension. With negotiations having yet to gain much momentum, will two roster additions at his position make the Lions think twice about a new deal?

The Detroit Lions‘ run defense was like a sieve to begin the 2018 season. The mid-year addition of nose tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison helped turn it into…well, some kind of kitchen utensil that doesn’t have holes.

In short, Harrison is a pivotal part of a defense that has hopes of being one of the NFL’s best in 2019. He is frequently hailed as one of the premier run stoppers in the league; Pro Football Focus (PFF) anointed him their “Run Defender of the Year” for 2018. Yeah, he’s good, and yeah, the Lions are better with him on the field, especially on early downs.

Harrison fit like a XXXL-sized glove in head coach Matt Patricia’s defense, much like co-run stuffing tackle Vince Wilfork did for years for Patricia with the New England Patriots. Now, it seems like Snacks wants the full meal.

It’s no secret that Harrison is pining for a contract extension, and it would seem like the Lions should give him one, considering his impact on the defense last year. Why then, one must ask, have the Lions added two players at his position in the last few weeks?

Those players are seventh round pick P.J. Johnson from this year’s draft and recently signed free agent Darius Kilgo, a former Patriot. Clearly, these two do not pose a threat to unseat Harrison in the middle of the front line anytime soon, and there’s no harm in adding depth at an important position. But could there be more to it?

Harrison is under contract through the 2020 season, at very reasonable base salaries of $6.75 million and $9 million over the next two years. However, he will be 32 by the end of the deal, and a similar situation from general manager Bob Quinn’s old employer may lead to some deep deliberations when considering an extension.

In 2014, Wilfork was given a three-year, $23 million extension by New England. He got through only one year of that deal though, having his player option declined in March of 2015 at age 33. He would finish his career playing two nondescript seasons with the Houston Texans. Quinn wasn’t running the show with the Patriots back then, but as director of pro scouting, he had a front row view of the proceedings.

Harrison, despite not attending the first portion of the offseason program last month, will likely show up for mandatory sessions, but possibly not if no extension has been agreed upon. Though neither Kilgo or Johnson are at all a guarantee to make the roster come September, the stretch in between could be beneficial development time for them, particularly Johnson.

Nose tackle is a bit of an acquired taste these days in the NFL. Most of them are primarily early down players, removed in favor of quicker, more agile defenders in pass rushing situations, which can drive down their value. Could this trend hurt Harrison’s extension chances as he advances through his thirties?

In terms of contract extensions with the Lions, Quinn hasn’t been shy about prolonging deals with players he views as key pieces. Cornerback Darius Slay, safety Quandre Diggs, running back Theo Riddick and of course quarterback Matthew Stafford have all received healthy extensions from the Lions under Quinn’s watch.

However, each of those players were under 30 years old when those deals were inked. Also, guaranteed money is always a critical element to contract negotiations in the NFL. Would a hefty demand in guarantees from Harrison put a hitch in any progress between the two sides?

Finally, a pair of starters from Quinn’s first draft, center Graham Glasgow and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson could be in line for rich extensions this summer as well. Can the Lions afford to give all of them the money that they’ll likely command?

On one hand, Harrison is too important to the Lions to risk any sort of ill will. Doesn’t a fair extension seems like a good move for both parties?

On the other, the above stated reasons for waffling on an extension could give the Lions pause. Do they roll with the two younger, unproven players and hope they develop quickly if Harrison sits out?

Chances are #98 will be wearing Honolulu blue come September, ready to clog up the opposing running lanes like he’s done so well during his career. Just in case, keep a close eye on Johnson and Kilgo as the offseason progresses. If things go south with Snacks, the Lions will need to be ready to change their eating habits.

Do you think that Damon Harrison will receive a contract extension from the Detroit Lions? Let us know in the comments section below.

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