DeAndre Levy extension coming during training camp?

A year ago exactly, the Detroit Lions decided to table contract talks with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh until after the 2014 season. In hindsight, that probably wasn't the wisest idea, as Suh and the Lions never managed to reach an agreement on an extension. Perhaps the two sides were never going to agree to a new deal anyway, but the lack of talks during training camp and the season certainly didn't do the Lions any favors.

This year, as the Lions get ready for training camp, one of their top priorities is to sign linebacker DeAndre Levy to an extension. He's entering the final year of his deal, and with Suh now on the Miami Dolphins, Levy has become one of the Lions' top defensive players.

Back in April, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew confirmed that the team "had some dialogue" with Levy's agent about a possible extension. That was the last real update on those negotiations, but Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that a deal between Levy and the Lions could get done during camp.

Was asked for a player likely to sign an extension during camp: Keep an eye on #Lions star LB DeAndre Levy. They view him as essential

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2015

A few years ago, #Lions had a choice between DeAndre Levy & Justin Durant. Picked Levy, turned him into a tackle machine. Now he’ll cash in

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2015

Going with Levy over Justin Durant was indeed a good choice on the Lions' part, but the last thing they need is for another top defensive player to walk as a free agent given what happened with Suh. With that in mind, it would be nice for the Lions to sign Levy to an extension during camp, allowing both him and the team to concentrate solely on football once the regular season begins.