here we go again?

[sggatecl]

I don't understand what difference it makes if he plays RT/LT. Does the option's dollar amount change depending on his position? Seems like picking up the option on a rookie deal is a no brainer for a guy that can play both tackle spots, albeit one better than the other. Feel free to break it down for me.

 

[tomdalton22]

I don't understand what difference it makes if he plays RT/LT. Does the option's dollar amount change depending on his position? Seems like picking up the option on a rookie deal is a no brainer for a guy that can play both tackle spots, albeit one better than the other. Feel free to break it down for me.

The option doesn't matter but if they are trying to extend him it does. That is the part that is so confusing to me. If he is a starting caliber tackle regardless if he is on the right or left side you pick up the 5th year. Even if they draft a LT this year...I really doubt that he plays LT as a rookie. So, it is likely when it comes to negotiating that he is going to be paid as a LT since that is where he has been playing.

 

[jared]

I understand they logic behind declining Fairley's option.

But this one baffles me entirely.

 

[detrisin]

I don't understand what difference it makes if he plays RT/LT. Does the option's dollar amount change depending on his position? Seems like picking up the option on a rookie deal is a no brainer for a guy that can play both tackle spots, albeit one better than the other. Feel free to break it down for me.

LTs generally make more $$$ than RTs...but I'm pretty sure there's no difference in the options dollar amount. That difference would be next contract. So, Mayhew's trying to convince the world that Reiff is better suited as a RT or G so he can pay him less when the next contract is signed. Mayhew is playing a semantics game, and Reiff's agent will easily see through it.

Surprise -- our GM is going to lose again.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

When is the deadline for picking up the option? Other than potentially working on a long-term deal (in which case the team can trade that 5th year for a lower overall payout in the next contract), there's no reason it won't get picked up. If this is another ploy to motivate Reiff or try to cheap out, it's going to blow up in Mayhew's face.

Just to throw this out there, but Mayhew has been terrible at retaining good players. Of those he drafted (since 2009), the only one he's been able to extend outside of restricted free agency is Stafford (who has been overpaid since the day he was drafted). He managed to extend CJ through a massive overpay as well. Obviously he bungled the Fairley situation, and Suh was not much better. He's lost good players like Cliff Avril (so thoroughly bungled that Avril ended up taking half of what we reportedly offered on the open market). He's lost solid players like Young (who isn't making that much either).

When you aren't a great drafting team to begin with (though 2013 was good, and 2014 might be), you can't afford to let what good players you do draft walk out the door.

 

[sggatecl]

I already understand that LT makes more than RT. That's great. Still don't understand why there would be a hesitation to activate the option.

 

[tomdalton22]

From what I read:

Last year, the fifth-year team option for offensive linemen was worth $7.4 million. Tackles, guards, and centers all are lumped into the same group when it comes to the fifth-year option. So, even with the Lions unsure if they’re going to kick Reiff inside to guard this season, it shouldn’t have much of an effect on their decision.

At this point in time, having that security with Reiff under control through 2016 is worth $7.4 million. As long as he doesn’t suffer a career-threatening injury in 2015, the Lions can cut him with no penalty next offseason and save the $7.4 million if they don’t deem him worthy of that salary. A long-term deal would be in the best interest of both sides.

 

[mhughes0021]

Fairley i don't give a shit about....but doesn't mean mayhew didn't fuck up the dt situation when he declined his option....which was my point.

Love reiff. But shouldn't matter where he's playing along the line. ..his Option should be picked up. It's not like you're creating space by extending him. ..the guy would only be Makin 7 mil. The only reason not to pick up his option is if a long term extension is on the table. If that is the case than why can't mayhew ever just get the damn deal done and have THAT be the story.....why do we always have to read these bullshit stories about the Lions and try to figure out why mayhew is so dumb.

 

[jdeb]

I did not care for the play of Reiff last year. I think he was average at best, not what I was expecting. I guess you extend average players? I would think a little bit on that one. He really was not that good last year... I'm just saying

 

[LKP]

Fairley i don't give a shit about....but doesn't mean mayhew didn't fuck up the dt situation when he declined his option....which was my point.

Love reiff. But shouldn't matter where he's playing along the line. ..his Option should be picked up. It's not like you're creating space by extending him. ..the guy would only be Makin 7 mil. The only reason not to pick up his option is if a long term extension is on the table. If that is the case than why can't mayhew ever just get the damn deal done and have THAT be the story.....why do we always have to read these bullshit stories about the Lions and try to figure out why mayhew is so dumb.

Extending him would have a lower cap hit than the option for sure.

 

[LKP]

I did not care for the play of Reiff last year. I think he was average at best, not what I was expecting. I guess you extend average players? I would think a little bit on that one. He really was not that good last year... I'm just saying

You didn't watch the tape. Only allowed 2 sacks and no holding penalites and was good in run blocking. Reiff is a good LT.

 

[zyxt9]

can't they pick up the option and then extend him anyway? not sure why the picking up the option is even debatable. pick it up, then offer an extension, he's on the books either way, right? or does the option expressly prohibit the ability to offer an extension as well? that would seem silly to me, but contract stuff is often silly instead of straight forward.

 

[jdeb]

You didn't watch the tape. Only allowed 2 sacks and no holding penalites and was good in run blocking. Reiff is a good LT.

Your rippin off stats, im going but what I seen and it was dissappointing and I know a lot of knowledgeable football men who seen the same thing. I'm not saying he is horrible but his performance last year are making people question an extension.

 

[mhughes0021]

can't they pick up the option and then extend him anyway? not sure why the picking up the option is even debatable. pick it up, then offer an extension, he's on the books either way, right? or does the option expressly prohibit the ability to offer an extension as well? that would seem silly to me, but contract stuff is often silly instead of straight forward.

Its foolish Not to pick up his option....unless an extension is close. Especially the current condition of our oline.

 

[sggatecl]

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/03...king-on-contract-extension-with-deandre-levy/

Keep pounding back that Kool-Aid.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/03...king-on-contract-extension-with-deandre-levy/

Keep pounding back that Kool-Aid.

History suggests Mayhew is going to lowball him, consider tagging (will be almost 15 million next year), then watch him walk for nothing.

 

[thehippo73]

Reiff reminds me of Backus. A solid LT but never a pro bowler. Someone who could be upgraded but there will always be a position in greater need of an upgrade. We will have Reiff for the next 10 years whether we like it or not.

 

[LKP]

Your rippin off stats, im going but what I seen and it was dissappointing and I know a lot of knowledgeable football men who seen the same thing. I'm not saying he is horrible but his performance last year are making people question an extension.

What you saw was a good LT last year and 2013. No doubt we should extend him. Anyone questioning Reiff doesn't know how to watch the game properly.