Detroit Lions headlines: Darius Slay, Damon Harrison to report

Fans of the Detroit Lions got some terrific news prior to the start of training camp. We’ll cover that and much more in today’s version of headlines.

The biggest headlines for the Detroit Lions prior to the start of training camp this week have been about the potential holdout of two of the team’s most important veterans. In today’s headlines, we’re glad to see those concerns be resolved. But are they?

Plus, we’ll talk about one rookie defender we’re excited to watch in camp. We also believe the Lions’ secondary is being underrated. Finally, we’ll give some thoughts on a potential 18-game season.

Source: Lions’ Slay, Harrison to report to camp – ESPN.com

It’s just a day before Lions’ training camp kicks off and it appears there will be no holdouts. Cornerback Darius Slay and defensive tackle Damon Harrison are reportedly going to be at camp on Wednesday. Both were looking to restructure their current deals in Detroit, skipping OTAs and minicamp.

You have to believe the fact both veterans are reporting must mean a scheduled meeting between the Lions’ brass and agent Drew Rosenhaus (who represents both Slay and Harrison) last week were at least positive. Detroit giving-in and paying holdouts with two-years left on their current contracts set a bad precedent. It could open a Pandora’s Box of future issues in Motown.

Still, perhaps some sort of agreement was met between Rosenhaus and the Lions. Although both Slay and Harrison attending the start of training camp is a win for Detroit, this storyline is unlikely over.

Detroit Lions training camp preview: Jahlani Tavai shakes up linebacker looks – MLive.com

Of all the players fans are excited to see at training camp, second-round rookie Jahlani Tavai may be the most intriguing. Most hadn’t heard of young linebacker prospect prior to the Lions making him the 43rd overall selection in the 2019 draft. Because of his size and motor, Tavai should make an immediate positive impression.

Ranking all 32 secondaries ahead of the 2019 NFL season – Pro Football Focus

You’d expect the Lions’ secondary not to get much love due to the fact their entering training camp still trying to determine who will become their starting cornerback opposite Darius Slay on the outside. But this group is underrated here (ranked 20th), especially considering two of the league’s top corners at their positions (now that Justin Coleman is in the slot) are on this roster. And this safety group could prove to be among the league’s best as the season progresses.

18-game NFL season would be a disaster; keep an eye on holdouts – Detroit Free Press

I’ve always been an advocate of reducing preseason games as it only exposes more players to senseless injuries. Instead of extending the regular season, I’d prefer to see the league open up the playoffs to include more teams. But those are just my thoughts. What are yours? Let me know what you think of a possible 18-game season in the comment section below.