Lions DT Damon Harrison changes agents; seeking a new deal?

One of the best moves the Detroit Lions made in 2018 was a midseason trade for defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. Not only was it a steal to get a man as talented as Harrison for just a fifth-round pick, but the Lions had him locked up for an additional two years at a fairly reasonable rate. Harrison, considered the best run-stopping defensive tackle in the league, only currently has a cap hit of $7 million and $9.25 million in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

However, it appears that may change soon. On Monday afternoon, the biggest NFL player agent, Drew Rosenhaus, announced that he had signed Harrison.

In addition to that, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press is reporting there are several “league observers” who think Harrison is seeking a new contract that will place himself among the top nose tackles in the league.

If that’s the case, it’s going to put the Lions in a tough situation. Harrison’s value to the team was obvious in 2018, as he almost single-handedly helped turn around the Lions’ run defense from worst in the league into one of the best. However, Harrison is already 30 years old, and while Detroit certainly has room in their cap to account for a new contract with “Snacks,” they are also likely planning to be active in free agency, considering their massive needs elsewhere.

For reference sake, one of the highest-earning nose tackles in the league is Chicago’s Eddie Goldman, who signed a four-year, $42 million contract extension last year with the Bears. However, Goldman just turned 25 years old.

Just because Harrison changed agents doesn’t mean he’s immediately seeking a new contract, but this is definitely a situation Lions fans should keep an eye on this offseason.