Darius Slay, Damon Harrison eyeing paydays: How far will this go?

The fact that ‘Snacks’ and Slay didn’t show up this week for mandatory minicamp or for any of the voluntary workouts this offseason either wasn’t a complete surprise. Despite the fact that both of their pockets will be lighter after the fines they have accrued for missing this week’s workouts, they expect it to be offset by what they will earn under the terms of the new contracts or extensions they are planning to sign.

Like they say, ‘you have to spend money to earn money’. Although most of us in the real world don’t spend that kind of money gambling on those kinds of contracts.

The real question yet to be answered is; will ‘Snacks’ and Slay report to training camp?

Offseason workouts, mandatory or otherwise, don’t mean quite as much to players that know the scheme and are working on getting themselves in shape for training camp. Despite the fact that there is still more for Harrison and Slay to learn and master in Matt Patricia’s complex defense, both of them are well enough versed after last season to pick up the pieces quickly come training camp. Provided they report.

So while the offseason activities will most likely run their course without ‘Snacks’ or Slay, both of them will make sure that Drew Rosenhaus gets his workout as he negotiates two of the biggest contracts in Detroit Lions history.

If that sounds dramatic, it is because of what’s at stake. While some might be skeptical about the Lions chances to compete for anything this year, both Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia realize that they are not on the long leash. Martha Firestone Ford has already admitted that she isn’t as patient as her later husband was. She will expect some results this season.

In short, anything shy of a playoff berth will open the door for her to re-evaluate the Lions’ current direction. It doesn’t mean that Quinn and Patricia would definitely be gone, but it would become a subject she would have to think about.

With a more talented secondary and depth on defense this season, led by ‘Snacks’ and Slay, this defense could be very good. Which in turn will make the job of the offense a little easier as they try to bounce back from last years dismal output.

The ball is in Bob Quinn’s court. Will it be a payday for Harrison and Slay? Or will we all be waiting to see what happens when training camp opens?

Nothing in the NFL is guaranteed. Not success nor failure or new contracts. Yet if Bob Quinn can find an answer that makes ‘Snacks’ and Slay happy, chances are very good that they will help the defense make Lions fans very happy.