Lions free-agent profile: Why haven't the Lions re-signed Don Muhlbach yet?

To get ready for free agency, we're going to take a look at each of the Detroit Lions' 2016 free agents. Last, but not least, let's take a look at Don Muhlbach.

2015 stats

16 games (0 starts)

How he joined the Detroit Lions

Muhlbach joined the Lions all the way back in 2004. Muhlbach entered the league as an undrafted commodity. After being released by the Baltimore Ravens during 2004 training camp, the Lions swooped him up that November to replace their injured long snapper. Muhlbach has been with the team since.

Case for re-signing him

Muhlbach has been a fan favorite and one of the few reliable players on the team over the past decade. Though he turns 35 this year, there has been no visible signs of him declining in his play. At this point in his career, he has developed a good rapport with Lions punter Sam Martin.

Last year, Muhlbach signed to a one-year, minimum salary deal. The Lions won't have to break the bank to bring back their veteran long snapper.

Case against re-signing him

The only knock against Muhlbach is his age. As of right now, Muhlbach is the oldest player on the Lions' roster. The Lions could choose to go younger and grab someone in the last few rounds of the draft. It's probably worth noting that the Patriots drafted a long snapper in the fifth round of 2015 NFL Draft. While long snapping is certainly important in the game, there aren't a lot of snapping blunders at the pro level. The Lions could likely find an adequate replacement fairly easily.

Final verdict

As long as the "Muhldozer" wants to be back in Detroit, there's little reason not to throw him another minimum contract. He's reliable, he's developed a rapport with the other special teamers, and he'll come cheap. Plus there would be a mini-riot in Detroit if Muhlbach was long snapping in a different jersey next season.

Previously: QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Lance Moore, TE Bear Pascoe, DT Tyrunn Walker, DT Jermelle Cudjo, DT Haloti Ngata, DE Jason Jones, DE Darryl Tapp, DE Corey Wootton, LB Tahir Whitehead, LB Travis Lewis, CB Josh Wilson,S Isa Abdul-Quddus, S James Ihedigbo, CB Crezdon Butler