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Open thread: Outside of Matthew Stafford, who is the most important Lion to re-sign/extend?

The Lions will have plenty of free agents in 2018. Who should the Lions re-sign first.

By Jeremy Reisman
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Contract talks between the Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford are likely heating up after Derek Carr officially signed his five-year, $125 million extension with the Oakland Raiders on Thursday.

However, once the Lions and Stafford come to an agreement, Detroit’s work will be far from done. Though they aren’t likely to make many additions to this year’s roster, especially considering the have the second-fewest cap space in the league, they have some tough choices to make for the 2018 offseason. Around two dozen players have contracts that will expire after the 2017 season, including the following notable names:

  • Haloti Ngata
  • Glover Quin
  • Ezekiel Ansah
  • Tahir Whitehead
  • DJ Hayden
  • Matt Prater
  • Tavon Wilson
  • Don Muhlbach
  • Travis Swanson

You can view the full list here, via spotrac.com.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which Lions player, outside of Matthew Stafford, is the most important to re-sign?

My answer: There are a lot of good answers, but I have to go with Glover Quin. The Lions seem to agree, and have already entered contract talks with the veteran safety. I know Quin will be 32 next year and we have already seen a small decline in his play, but he still remains a reliable centerpiece to a shaky defense. Detroit currently has no plan to replace Quin on defense, and it would be extremely hard to find someone with the leadership skills of Quin, as well.

An equally strong argument could be made for Ezekiel Ansah, especially considering how shallow the Lions roster is at defensive end. However, Ansah is already 28 and he’s really only had one phenomenal season to his name. He’s still easily the best defensive lineman on the team, and the Lions absolutely should re-sign him, but I just don’t think it’s as urgent of an issue as it is for Quin.

Your turn.

Poll

Which Lions player, excluding Matthew Stafford, should be re-signed next?

This poll is closed

  • 21%
    Glover Quin
    (214 votes)
  • 48%
    Ezekiel Ansah
    (489 votes)
  • 19%
    Matt Prater
    (195 votes)
  • 1%
    Don Muhlbach
    (17 votes)
  • 0%
    Tahir Whitehead
    (9 votes)
  • 7%
    Travis Swanson
    (72 votes)
  • 1%
    Other
    (11 votes)
1007 votes total Vote Now

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