Riley Reiff’s Future With Detroit Depends On What Quinn Does In The Coming Months.
The biggest possible free agent in Detroit in 2017 is Riley Reiff. He is a key part to the offensive line and losing him would be a big blow. If Detroit can bring back Reiff, then they can find a better backup in the free agency or the NFL Draft. If Reiff leaves though, Detroit may need to look for a starter than a backup. Reiff is the most important free agent and the sooner we have a decision on what he will do, the sooner we can figure out what to do with others.
Riley Reiff
Reiff started 14 games and did well moving over to right tackle with Taylor Decker coming in to take over the left tackle spot. Reiff only allowed four sacks and got called for three penalties this season. Reiff is one of the best right tackles in the free agent class, so he could ask for a high price, but offensive tackle is an important position for this team, so paying him more than what he is worth may be what Detroit has to do to keep him.
Decision: Stay
Taylor Decker
Decker had a fantastic rookie year in the league. He started in all 17 games and only allowed four and a half sacks this year. He struggled with penalties, getting six called on him, but that isn’t shocking from a rookie. Decker has been what this team needed at the position. Getting rid of those penalty issues and Decker can be a long-term left tackle in Detroit.
Decision: Stay
Corey Robinson
Robinson started three games this year and did well in Reiff’s spot when he was out. Robinson got called for one flag and allowed only one sack. Robinson was a former seventh round pick and many questioned if he would make the team this year. Those three games he proved to be a solid backup and getting rid of him isn’t what Detroit wants to do.
Decision: Stay
Cornelius Lucas
Lucas only appeared in five games this year and while he didn’t draw any flags, he allowed a sack. Now he didn’t start like Robinson, but Lucas isn’t a good backup here in Detroit. He is like a traffic cone at times and people just get around him so quickly, I was surprised he made the team this season. His performance this season could have been the final straw as he was the worst offensive tackle on the team.
Decision: Go
Possible Offensive Tackle Replacements
Now some of these people would either start if Reiff leaves, or would be backups if Reiff stays.
Starting Offensive tackles
- Sebastian Vollmer
- Andre Smith
- Eric Winston
- Cam Robinson, Alabama
Backup Offensive tackles
- Earl Watford
- Don Barclay
- Marshall Newhouse
- Roderick Johnson, Florida State
- Chad Wheeler, USC
- Dan Skipper, Arkansas
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