Lions Defensive Line. Contract Situation and Evaluation

Defensive Line

Ndamukong Suh 3 years left. $9.25 million. Played well against the run and pushed the pocket against the pass. Not nearly as productive this season but still a force.

Corey Williams 2 years left. $4.9 million  Played well the first half, injuries limited him the second half. On the wrong side of 30 and makes over $4 million next season. Could be asked to take a pay cut.

Nick Fairley DT 3 years left. Aorund $2 million.  Hobbled by a foot injury all year. Had 1 sack. Showed potiential in flashes, can be a force.

Sammie Hill Restricted Free Agent. Sammie finished strong with good push inside. A rotational player who can play 20-30 quality plays.

Andre Fluellen UFA Likely will not be back. Had an opprtunity to show his worth and did not do a whole lot. Probably will sign elsewhere.

KyleVandenBosch DE 2 years left. $5 million Solid year for KVB. However, $5 million in salary with Cliff Avril needing to be signed. He is not strong against the run and will over pursue.

Cliff Avril DE UFA Great year rushing the passer. He is not strong against the run. Big question is how much is he worth? Could be slapped with the dreaded franchise tag.

Lawrence Jackson DE 1 year left around $ 1 million. Solid rotational player. Our best End vs. the run. Can rush the passer in spots. Could replace KVB.

Willie Young 1 year left. $490,000 Spot pass rusher when healthy. Made big plays vs. Dallas and the Saints. Part of the puzzle.

Overall: A lot of $$$$$ is tied up in the Defensive Line. The main question is with the age of KVB and Corey Williams can we afford Cliff Avril. Another scenario is to draft a young DE and release KVB.