2017 Detroit Lions roster review: Is Don Muhlbach immortal?

Our 2017 roster review will reexamine the Lions’ roster and how it played out last season. We’ll take a look at expectations, performance and potential role in the future.

Today, we continue our discussion with Detroit Lions long-snapper Don Muhlbach.

Don Muhlbach

Expectations before 2017

Don Muhlbach won the 2016 long snapping job despite the fact that Detroit drafted Jimmy Landes in the sixth round. Landes suffered a season-ending injury, handing the job to Muhlbach just after training camp ended.

Entering the 2017 season, Landes was expected to get a fair shot at the job. However, #LongSnapperWatch2017 ended abruptly when the Lions desperately needed roster room following Taylor Decker’s injury during OTAs. The Lions waived Landes and Muhlbach secured his 14th straight season in the NFL.

Actual role in 2017

2017 stats: 16 games (0 starts)
PFF Grade: N/A

Don Muhlbach did exactly what he was supposed to in 2017: Play every possible snap as a long-snapper and get the job done. While his snapping accuracy may not have been perfect every time, there were no clear instances in which a poor snap caused a missed kick. Old Reliable was just that: Old and reliable.

Outlook for 2018

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent

Don Muhlbach has been the king of one-year contracts. Dating back to at least 2012, Muhlbach has entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent only to eventually sign a one-year deal with Detroit.

At this point, there’s no reason to believe this offseason will be any different. Granted, Muhlbach will be 37 years old by the time the 2018 season begins, there have been no clear signs of declining play, and there have been no indications that Muhlbach has any interest in retirement.

But you never know for sure. For now, #LongSnapperWatch2018 is on.

Previously: DE Dwight Freeney, LB Tahir Whitehead , DE Ezekiel Ansah, S Tavon Wilson, CB Nevin Lawson