Riley Reiff’s role will expand…but where? (Photo courtesy freep.com)
This has been a tumultuous and eventful offseason for the Detroit offensive line. Venerable veteran Jeff Backus retired, opening a hole at left tackle. Stephen Peterman was sent packing, opening a hole at right guard. Gosder Cherilus departed via free agency, opening a hole at right tackle.
Congrats on a good, long career Jeff Backus!
Jeff Risdon, DLD Editor
On a day where most Lions fans are still basking in the afterglow of a very strong free agent haul, venerable left tackle Jeff Backus announced his retirement after 12 seasons. Into every life a little rain must fall, even under the roof of Ford Field.
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How much longer will Jeff Backus play?
Justin Wenzel, DLD Contributor
Peterman is out. Raiola is likely on his last legs this year. Cherilus most likely won’t be resigned with younger tackles already waiting in the system to take his spot.
So where does that leave left tackle Jeff Backus? He’s not a free agent with one year left on his deal. His $3.5 cap hit could make it likely the Lions could restructure, but if he returns he’ll be a starting elft tackle. The guy protecting Stafford’s blind side deserves at least $3.5 million, right?
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